Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 175A near Shelby, IL — 2012-07-17

Final reportCEN12LA455
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Date
2012-07-17
Location
Shelby, IL, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 175A
Registration
N7003E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to oil starvation for reasons that could not be determined because engine examinations revealed no malfunctions or failures that would have led to oil starvation.

NTSB narrative

While in cruise flight, the pilot-rated passenger and flight instructor heard a knocking sound from the engine. The flight instructor reduced the engine power and diverted the airplane toward the nearest airport. Subsequently, the pilots heard a loud "clunk" sound from the engine, the engine lost power, and smoke filled the cockpit. The flight instructor executed a forced landing to a field, and the airplane nosed over. An examination of the engine found that the No. 3 cylinder had failed due to oil starvation; however, a reason for the oil starvation could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
diverting to a nearby airport after hearing knocking sound

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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