NTSB Factual Report

On December 30, 2002, at 1440 central standard time, a Cessna T207 single-engine airplane, N1599U, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during climb to cruise from the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) near Brownsville, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by Comercializadora Cano, Inc., of Brownsville. The airline transport pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulation Part 91 personal flight. The flight originated from BRO at 1435, and was destined for Tampico, Mexico.

On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the 2,900-hour pilot stated that about 3.5 miles south of BRO, while climbing through 950 feet AGL, lost engine power, went through the emergency procedures, and made about a 130 degree left turn to attempt to reach a suitable place to land.

Examination of the airplane, by the FAA inspector who responded to the accident site, revealed that the right main landing gear had collapsed, the right wing spar and right horizontal stabilizer sustained damage, and fuselage bulkheads were buckled.

Post examination of the 310-horsepower Continental TSIO-520-M engine (serial number 513430) revealed that the crankshaft was separated between the number 2 and 3 journals. No evidence or signs of heat discoloration was found.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power due to the separation of the crankshaft. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.