Primary finding
Probable cause
failure of the No. 6 cylinder barrel due to corrosion fatigue, which resulted in a loss of power. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While in cruise, the engine began running rough, and the pilot noted a loss of oil pressure. Shortly thereafter, he observed flames and oil coming from the engine area. He shut the engine down and executed a forced landing to a beach. During the landing, the airplane struck a sand dune. Examination of the engine revealed the No. 6 cylinder barrel had failed due to corrosion fatigue.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 27, 1995, about 0630 eastern daylight time, N72016, a Beech A-36 operated by Harris Berman, crashed on the beach near Titusville, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from Palm Beach, Florida, about 1 hour earlier. The pilot noted a loss of oil pressure and engine roughness. He then saw oil on the airplane and sparks coming from the engine. He then shut down the engine and executed a forced landing to the beach. During the landing the airplane hit a sand dune. Initial examination of the engine revealed the No. 6 cylinder barrel was failed circumferentially. The cylinder, piston, and connecting rod was removed from the airplane and shipped to the NTSB laboratory for examination. Examination of the cylinder revealed that the cylinder exhibited severe corrosion pitting on the cylinder barrel between the first and second cooling fins. Two fatigue origins were identified with the corrosion pits. Signatures consistent with progressive fatigue were observed through the barrel. All other failures noted were consistent with overload. -