Total power loss involving a Cessna 207, VH-EHL, 111 km east of Darwin (Point Stuart), Northern Territory, on 14 October 1994

The aircraft enroute from Darwin to Mudjeegarradart suffered an engine failure. The pilot attempted to restart the engine without success, then advised Adelaide Flight Service that he was carrying out a forced landing. Another aircraft in the area was diverted to assist. The pilot made a safe landing with no damage suffered by the aircraft.

Investigation revealed that the crankshaft had failed due to incorrect assembly of the main bearing shell housings during overhaul. This allowed a progressive reduction in the radial preload imposed on the bearing shells resulting in bearing shell slippage, blocking of the oil galleries and subsequent fatigue failure of the crankshaft.