FlightFollowerLucky Escape: Beech A36 Ditched After Engine Failure & Cockpit Smoke
Engine Trouble Over Long Island Sound
On 11 December 2016, Beech A36 Bonanza N69286 was cruising at about 5,500 feet on a personal flight from Long Island MacArthur Airport toward Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport. The engine began running roughly and continued to deteriorate. The pilot initially attempted to return toward the departure airport.
Oil on the Windscreen and a Loss of Power
During the turnback, oil covered the windscreen. The pilot declared an emergency and requested vectors toward a closer airport. He had difficulty keeping the aircraft level and then saw parts separate from the airplane. The engine subsequently lost total power, eliminating the possibility of reaching the intended diversion airport.
The Ditching
The pilot told the controller that the aircraft would have to ditch in Long Island Sound. The Bonanza contacted the water at about 80 knots, according to the pilot. Both occupants opened the door, exited the aircraft and reached a nearby rock while waiting for rescuers. Neither occupant was injured.
What the Investigation Established
The NTSB examination found fatigue cracking at the No. 4 main bearing journal of the crankshaft. The origin of the crack could not be determined because the fracture surface had been damaged by relative movement. The NTSB nevertheless identified the crankshaft fatigue crack as the probable cause.
From the NTSB record
He then declared an emergency and asked air traffic control for radar vectors to Igor I Sikorsky Memorial Airport (BDR) Bridgeport, Connecticut. The air traffic controller told him to turn north to a heading of 360°, however, the pilot was having trouble keeping the airplane's wings level and did not want to turn that far to the north. […]
Research and reconstruction
Flight Follower Editorial Team
This reconstruction was researched from official investigation records where they exist, the original air traffic control recording, and contemporary reporting. The aircraft movement, timeline and written account were assembled independently by Flight Follower. Where an investigation is open or no probable cause has been published, the account says so rather than offering one.
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Accident Facts
- Date
- 11 December 2016
- Aircraft
- Beech A36 Bonanza
- Registration
- N69286
- Location
- Long Island Sound near Shoreham, New York, USA
- Occupants
- 2
- Injuries
- None
- Investigation
- NTSB ERA17LA069
“A fatigue crack of the crankshaft at the No. 4 main bearing journal.”