I had an engine failure in my Mustang last week. The flight had been uneventful prior to reducing power for cruise at FL330. I had leveled off, built speed for a couple minutes, and when I reduced power I heard a pronounced "thump, thump, thump" in the back and the ITT on my right engine shot through redline. I did not get a master caution or warning light. I pulled the right engine power to idle, and the ITT continued in the red. So, I shut the right engine down. I advised ATC of my situation and was immediately cleared to descend and divert. I made a 180 and headed back. The Mustang handled very well throughout the flight, and the single engine approach and landing was easier than in the sim. I must give FlightSafety kudos for properly preparing me for this event. In the end, it felt like a non-event.

An inspector from the Sacramento Service Center came up last weekend to have a look. He found metal in the oil and filter, but we're not sure where it's from at this point. The oil bypass valve was not popped. Pratt has shipped a rental engine, which will arrive Monday. The MSU will install it next week and send my engine to Pratt for repair. I'll make additional posts as I learn more.

This unscheduled engine event is another reason to be enrolled in an engine program. One never knows when it could come into play. In this case, it's providing some valuable insurance. Also, I'm glad my jet has two engines. It changed the outcome of this event significantly.

Great to hear it worked out and glad to hear the details.

Nice job doing your job and bringing the plane home safely.

Sounds like you will be back up and running pronto.

Tj

Planning a test flight with the new engine next Thursday. By the way, Tom, thanks for the prompt service in getting the rental engine on the insurance. I really appreciate it.

Pics or it didn't happen

Great work staying calm under pressure and making it a non-event.

Ugh. Great!

Good job getting her down. Can't wait to hear what the problem was.

I'll post more as I find out more. After shutting down, I naturally did a brief inspection and everything looked normal. Oil level and color was normal, engine fan easily spun around, no signs of physical damage, no burning odors. So, whatever it was, it stayed well inside the engine.

What Jason said! Keep us looped in, Clint, and nice going.

This is the only 600 series Pratt shutdown in flight I've ever heard of. Nice job and I can't wait to hear what the issue was.

I'm certain there has been a bunch from some starter / gen issue that starts as a noticed vibration.

Andrew

I don't care what happens at 33,000', it would be scary as ****.

Nothing like an uneventful ending to the story though.

Jgreen

Heck, even I'm excited you are on program!

What an exceedingly rare event.

Great job.

Please let us know what happened with the engine as the Mustang and Phenom engines are both 600 series.

May I ask, with your fresh memory of the event, did it sound it like a "surge" or compressor stall?

No, it wasn't a surge or compressor stall. It was internal damage with an uncontrollable ITT spike. I had to shut it down.

Wow, well done Clint!
Thank heavens engine program.
No idea there was such a thing as rental engines.