Summary
On August 16, 2009, a Fisher Michael H T-BIRD II (N5559A) was involved in an accident near Dundee, OH. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: A total loss of engine power due to the failure of the outer crankshaft seal.
While flying at an altitude of 400 to 500 feet above the ground, the engine lost power. The pilot stated he attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. The airplane contacted an embankment during an off airport emeregency landing in a corn field. The pilot reported the outer crankshaft seal on the ignition side of the engine was not fully functional resulting in a drop in vacuum pressure, and subsequently a loss of fuel pressure. The pilot did not hold a pilot certificate.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN09CA531. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5559A.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
A total loss of engine power due to the failure of the outer crankshaft seal.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
While flying at an altitude of 400 to 500 feet above the ground, the engine lost power. The pilot stated he attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. The airplane contacted an embankment during an off airport emeregency landing in a corn field. The pilot reported the outer crankshaft seal on the ignition side of the engine was not fully functional resulting in a drop in vacuum pressure, and subsequently a loss of fuel pressure. The pilot did not hold a pilot certificate.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA531