NTSB Factual Report

On July 2, 2006, approximately 1850 Pacific daylight time, a single-engine Nanchang China CJ-6 experimental airplane, N8120H, sustained substantial damage after impacting terrain following a loss of engine power and a forced landing approximately one-half mile west of Anderson Field (S97), Brewster, Washington. The airplane is registered to a private individual. The certificated private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country flight, which was operated in accordance with 14 CFR Part 91, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight departed the Arlington Municipal Airport (AWO), Arlington, Washington, about 1800, with its destination being the Omak Airport, Omak, Washington.

According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1), the pilot reported that while in cruise flight about 5,000 feet mean sea level and approximately 3 or 4 nautical miles west of S97, he heard a "loud pop" followed by an "instantaneous increase" in [propeller] revolutions per minute (RPM), to over 4,000 RPM. The pilot further reported that after the engine would not respond to throttle or propeller [control] inputs, he set up the best rate [of descent] speed for a straight in approach in an attempt to reach Runway 07 at S97. The pilot stated that he approached the airstrip at just above stall speed and elected to delay lowering the landing gear until he cleared the tree orchard, located less than one-half mile from the end of runway 07. The pilot revealed that the airplane settled into the last row of trees before coming to rest on its belly about 10 to 15 feet past the orchard, and oriented in an easterly direction.

A post accident examination of the airplane revealed that the airplane had sustained substantial damage to both wings, the right wing tip, and the horizontal stabilizer. Damage was also observed to the engine cowling, propeller and the airplane's belly skin.

A subsequent examination of the engine by the pilot, who advised the NTSB investigator-in-charge that he had 15 years experience working on and operating the Housia HS6, revealed that the propeller "free wheeled" without any evidence of connection to the engine crankshaft. The pilot reported that after the engine cowling was removed there was no external damage observed to the engine. The pilot further reported that after the propeller governor, propeller, shutters and nose case were removed, it was revealed that inside the nose case the three planetary gears were found to be severely damaged; all three appeared to have lost all [gear] teeth. The pilot stated that a portion of the broken gears was later recovered in the oil sump. The pilot further stated that during the examination the engine was found to have continuity between all accessories, pistons, valve train and the main crankshaft. The pilot reported that he could offer no reason for the failure of the planetary gears.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the engine's three planetary gears for undetermined reasons. A factor contributing to the accident was the tree orchard.