N129KACirrus Design SF50 · 2024

On June 2, 2026, at 0945 eastern daylight time, a Cirrus SF50, N129KA, powered by a Williams International FJ33-5A turbofan engine, experienced an uncontained engine failure during climb from Greene County Regional Airport (KCPP), Greensboro, Georgia. There were no injuries to the pilot or passenger. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 general aviation flight from KCPP destined for Sgt. Lee Russell Carroll County Airport (KHZD), Huntingdon, Tennessee.

According to the pilot, after takeoff at about 8,000ft above mean sea level (MSL), he received an engine inter-turbine temperature (ITT) warning and full authority digital engine control (FADEC) NO DISPATCH cockpit alerting system (CAS) message. He then contacted air traffic control (ATC) and requested a hold at 10,000 ft MSL, and in accordance with the checklist procedures, reduced the thrust lever setting by switching the auto throttle to manual mode and reduced the airspeed to 180 kts. The engine ITT temperature decreased, and the CAS message cleared. He reported that he remained at 10,000ft MSL for several minutes to monitor the engine parameters, and all remained within operating limits. The pilot then contacted ATC to request a small climb to see how the engine would perform, and after receiving authorization, initiated a climb to 13,000ft MSL. Seconds after advancing the engine throttle, there was a loud bang and reduction in power. The pilot reported that he pitched the airplane for best glide, declared an emergency, and received vectors to Athens-Ben Epps Airport (AHN), Athens, GA. While performing the emergency checklist procedure he attempted to “clear the engine,” which aggressively shook the airplane. He continued on vectors, deployed the flaps and landing gear, and made a no power landing on runway 9 at AHN.

A post-incident examination of the airplane revealed an uncontained engine failure and separated section of engine cowl. A section of turbine disk protruded from the lower cowling structure on the right side of the airplane (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Figure 1. Right Side of Airplane Engine, Post-Incident Inspection

As part of the investigation process, the NTSB invited qualified parties to participate in the investigation, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Williams International, and Cirrus Aircraft. Party members from the FAA, Williams International, and Cirrus removed the engine at AHN and shipped it to Williams International in Pontiac, Michigan for teardown examination.