Probable cause
The failure of a crankshaft gear tooth due to fatigue, which resulted in the loss of several additional gear teeth and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The pilot landed the airplane on an interstate highway at night after a total loss of engine power. Neither of the two occupants were injured and the airplane was undamaged. Examination of the engine revealed that a crankshaft gear tooth failed due to fatigue, which resulted in the loss of several additional gear teeth and a subsequent total loss of engine power. According to the manufacturer, this type of failure was uncommon in this engine series. The engine had accrued 1,652.3 hours since rebuild and the recommended time between overhaul was 2,000 hours.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12IA158 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 4, 2011
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Cirrus Design Corp SR20
- N-number
- N486DA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2007
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
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.