Beech K35 N111YR accident near Lantana, Florida

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to disengagement of the idler gear support pin as a result of improper maintenance.

NTSB analysis

According to witnesses, during the initial climb after takeoff and as the airplane reached an altitude of 75 to 100 feet above the ground, the engine ran rough momentarily and then lost power. The airplane entered a right descending turn back toward the airport, where it struck two parked, unoccupied airplanes before impacting the ground and colliding with a tractor-trailer container. Subsequent inspection of the engine revealed that the idler gear support pin was backed-off from its proper mounting position. In addition, the two mounting studs did not contain any mounting hardware, and their respective threads were undamaged. A review of maintenance records revealed that the airplane had been operated for about 2 hours since the engine was disassembled for "extensive engine repair due to spalled cam and lifter bodies," about 5 months prior to the accident, and since its most recent annual inspection, which was performed about 1 month prior to the accident. An engine test run that was conducted after the idler gear support pin was properly installed did not reveal any other engine anomalies.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09FA283 for the full record.