Aviation safety investigations & reports
Total power loss - Cessna 208 aircraft, VH-UMV near Cairns Airport, Queensland, 31 December 2009
AO-2010-005

Summary
On 31 December 2009, a Cessna Aircraft Company model 208, registered VH-UMV, was engaged in parachuting operations from Cairns Airport, Queensland. While climbing through 12,500 ft in preparation for a parachute drop, the engine failed. The parachutists exited the aircraft and the pilot completed a glide approach and uneventful landing at Cairns Airport.
The failure of the Pratt and Whitney PT6A-114 engine was probably precipitated by fracture of the compressor turbine blades. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) parts manufacturing approval information indicated that part number T-102401-01 compressor turbine blades that had been installed in the engine during the most recent overhaul were not approved for the PT6A-114 model.
As a result of this occurrence, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) released Airworthiness Bulletin AWB 72-005, alerting all operators and maintainers of PT6A engines, of the potential for installation of these compressor turbine blades in unapproved PT6A engine variants, and to raise awareness of the restrictions placed on the use of approved after-market blades.
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General details
Date: | 31 December 2009 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
Time: | 1030 EST | Investigation level: | Complex - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
Location (show map): | near Cairns Airport | ||||
State: | Queensland | Occurrence type: | Engine failure or malfunction | ||
Release date: | 13 September 2011 | Occurrence class: | Technical | ||
Report status: | Final | Occurrence category: | Serious Incident | ||
Highest injury level: | None |
Aircraft details
Aircraft manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft model | 208 | |
Aircraft registration | VH-UMV | |
Serial number | 20800077 | |
Type of operation | Sports Aviation | |
Damage to aircraft | Nil | |
Departure point | Cairns, Qld | |
Destination | Cairns, Qld |