Probable cause
The total loss of engine power due to a fatigue fracture of the crankshaft.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after takeoff from runway 23, about 466 ft above ground level, the engine “failed,” and he immediately turned back to land. The pilot landed with a direct gusting tailwind and applied hard braking; however, a gust of wind lifted the right wing, and the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The left wing struck a taxiway sign, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.
A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the crankshaft was fractured aft of the No. 2 connecting rod journal. The fracture surface exhibited signatures consistent with fatigue cracking that originated from multiple initiation sites along the radius between the connecting rod journal and the crankshaft web.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA049 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 6, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Byron, California
- Nearest airport
- Byron Airport (C83)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV-12
- N-number
- N975G
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2018
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.