Engine failure Cessna 340A during takeoff: Safety recommendation from the FOCA

At the end of October, a serious incident occurred during take-off of a twin-engine Cessna 340A. Shortly after take-off, the left piston engine stopped at an altitude of about 100 feet above the ground. Thanks to a quick reaction, the pilot was able to land the aircraft back on the remaining runway. However, the Cessna only came to a stop after the end of the runway, on the grass. The pilot and passenger were uninjured.

According to initial analysis, a sudden breakage of the camshaft sprocket led to the immediate shutdown of the engine. The piston engine concerned is a Continental TSIO-520-NB, which had the “RAM4 310-325” modification implemented. The engine had recently been overhauled by RAM Aircraft Limited. Based on the currently available information, FOCA has published a recommendation (Safety Alert Notification – SAND).

In this context, please note the current SAND 2024-004 (RAM Continental TSIO-520-NB shut down)