Beech A36 N2036Y accident near Slaton, Texas

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to the insufficient clamping force between the two crankcase halves and each cylinder to the crankcase.

NTSB analysis

While at 5,500 feet mean sea level, the pilot heard a loud explosion and the left front engine cowling blew open. Shortly thereafter the engine stopped producing power and the pilot executed a forced landing to a flat plowed field. The No. 2 cylinder was found separated from the engine crankcase. A postaccident engine teardown examination revealed that there had been an insufficient clamping force between the crankcase halves and between each cylinder and the crankcase. In particular, the No. 2 crankcase cylinder deck exhibited signatures consistent with the No. 2 cylinder vibrating back and forth before it exited the engine case. At the time of the accident, the engine had accumulated approximately 1,072 hours since major overhaul and 641 hours since a top overhaul.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA140 for the full record.