Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to a cylinder failure for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
About 15 minutes into the air tour flight, the pilot heard a loud “crack/bang” from the front of the airplane, followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing to wet, marshy terrain, during which the left wing impacted a tree and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the wings.
One of the radial engine’s cylinders was fractured at the barrel head joint, which resulted in the loss of engine power. The airplane was operated without engine cowling installed. According to the airplane’s owner, the cowling assists with engine cooling in vintage radial engines. The airplane was not examined after the accident and the reason for the cylinder failure was not determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19LA204 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 22, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Waco YMF-5C
- N-number
- N63WC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1997
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial observation
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.