Goodyear, AZ, USA
N501BD
Simmons BD-5
The single-engine experimental airplane collided with sagebrush growing on an abandoned airport during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The amateur-built airplane utilized a Honda EB-3 engine that was mounted at the rear of the airplane. Post-accident examination of the engine revealed the number 4 connecting rod had failed, and was discolored black, indicative of an overheating. The crankshaft throw for the number 4 connecting rod was also discolored black. No obstructions or anomalies with the lubrication system could be found.
On May 29, 2004, at 1120 mountain standard time, an experimental, amateur-built Simmons BD-5 airplane, N501BD, impacted sagebrush during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Goodyear, Arizona. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured, but the single-engine airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot owned and operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal cross-country flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. The flight originated from Van Nuys, California, at 0940, and was destined for Goodyear for a fuel stop. The flight's final destination was Alamogordo, New Mexico. During a telephone interview with the pilot, he reported that he started a descent into Goodyear for fuel. While in the descent, the engine experienced an abrupt loss of power. The pilot diverted to a closed airpark and set up for landing. The airpark had sagebrush growing over the abandoned runway. The airplane's right wing impacted the sagebrush, substantially damaging the wing, rupturing the fuel tank, and wrinkling the tail-skid area. The airplane was moved to a hangar located at another airpark, where the pilot examined the converted Honda EB-3 engine. He reported seeing a hole punctured from the inside out near the oil pan. The airplane was transported to another hangar where a more detailed engine examination was performed. The engine, which was mounted at the rear of the airplane, was removed and disassembled. Disassembly and examination of the engine revealed the #4 connecting rod had fractured and separated. The bottom of the #4 connecting rod and the #4 crankshaft throw was discolored black. The connecting rod section that would be closest to the crankshaft was bent almost 90 degrees from its original shape. Pieces of the bearing halves from the #4 connecting rod bearing were found in the bottom of the oil pan. All of the other bearings (both crankshaft and connecting rods) displayed no damage or discoloration. All of the other pistons moved freely in their respective cylinders and all other components were still coated with oil. Examination of the crankshaft cradle revealed its oil feed tunnels and plugs were open and unobstructed. There were no noted anomalies with the oil pump. The engine (serial number 0200148) was manufactured in 1978 and was overhauled 159.0 hours prior to the accident. The last annual inspection was conducted 3.9 hours prior to the accident.
The overheating and failure of the number 4 connecting rod, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during descent.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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