Summary
On April 11, 2011, a Wsk-mielec AN-2 (N122AN) was involved in an incident near Loxley, AL. All 3 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: A loss of engine power due to internal failure.
On April 11, 2011, about 1216 central daylight time, a WSK-Meilec AN-2, N122AN, was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power and forced landing near Loxley, Alabama. The certificated commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Vertol Systems Company, Inc. under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, as a personal flight. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Fort Walton Beach, Florida (DTL), about 1118, and was destined for De Ridder, Louisiana (DRI).
The pilot reported that, while in cruise flight at 1,000 feet above ground level, the engine began to run rough and lose power.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ERA11LA242. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N122AN.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
A loss of engine power due to internal failure.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On April 11, 2011, about 1216 central daylight time, a WSK-Meilec AN-2, N122AN, was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power and forced landing near Loxley, Alabama. The certificated commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Vertol Systems Company, Inc. under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, as a personal flight. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Fort Walton Beach, Florida (DTL), about 1118, and was destined for De Ridder, Louisiana (DRI).
The pilot reported that, while in cruise flight at 1,000 feet above ground level, the engine began to run rough and lose power. He then heard a loud, "metal-on-metal" sound, the engine vibrated violently, and it subsequently quit completely. The airplane was force landed in a farm field and nosed over in the soft terrain.
An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the airplane and engine. Structural damage to the wings was evident. The radial engine was a WSK-PZL model ASZ-621R. The spark plugs were removed and all cylinders were inspected with a borescope. No abnormal characteristics were noted. The engine could not be rotated manually. Examination of the engine oil screens revealed an “extreme” amount of metal particles in the oil supply. Due to a lack of suitable equipment and facilities, a more detailed examination of the engine was not performed.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA11LA242