Pilot Debrief

CESSNA T210 near San Saba, TX — 2024-03-25

Final reportCEN24LA140
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Date
2024-03-25
Location
San Saba, TX, USA
Airport
81R
Aircraft
CESSNA T210
Registration
N498TB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to multiple connecting rod failures from oil starvation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was enroute on a cross-country flight at a cruise altitude of 11,000 ft mean sea level when, about 37 minutes after takeoff, the engine oil pressure began decreasing slowly. The flight remained at 11,000 ft for another 39 minutes until there was a near-total loss of oil pressure. The pilot diverted and conducted a forced landing short of a runway. The airplane nosed over during the landing and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A small postimpact fire ensued near the engine compartment. A postaccident examination of the engine found evidence of multiple connecting rod separations due to a lack of oil lubrication, and their respective rod end bearings were not identifiable. A small amount of oil was observed on the engine exterior and within the engine compartment, but the amount of observed oil was not consistent with a large oil leak from the engine. The pilot reported changing the engine oil the day before the accident; however, the examination did not identify any issues with the installation of the oil filter. Besides the holes in the upper crankcase, the investigation did not identify another oil leak source. Although it is possible that the engine was not serviced with a sufficient quantity of oil during the oil change, the pilot reported having added 9 quarts of oil when he changed the oil. The flight likely departed with at least sufficient engine oil to produce the required engine power to climb to cruise altitude, maintain cruise power for over an hour, and to distribute metal particles throughout the engine oil system. However, the reason for the oil starvation could not be identified.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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