Summary
The aircraft departed Port Hedland and commenced to climb to a cruising altitude of 5,500 feet. When
it had climbed to approximately 3, 000 feet a loud bang from the engine area was heard, and a substantial
loss of engine power occurred. The pilot turned back towards the aerodrome and the cabin began to fill
with smoke but this cleared when the port window was opened. The pilot carried out various cockpit
checks but was unable to restore full power to the engine and he carried out a straight in approach and
landed on runway 32.
Subsequent examination revealed that the No. 5 cylinder head had failed, following the development of a
fatigue crack. Displacement of the cylinder head after failure broke a fuel injection line which led to a
fire in the engine cowling, and resulted in damage to engine components and cowlings and to lower
fuselage skin.
