Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 210 near Brent, AL — 2021-11-21

Final reportERA22LA071
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Date
2021-11-21
Location
Brent, AL, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 210
Registration
N5779J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The inadequate maintenance of the oil filter adapter, which resulted in in an engine oil leak and subsequent loss engine oil pressure, and the subsequent off-airport landing.

NTSB narrative

During cruise flight, the pilot noticed a drop in engine oil pressure and turned toward the closest airport. The pilot subsequently elected to perform a precautionary off-airport landing during which the airplane sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that it was equipped with a screw-on oil filter adapter. Oil seepage was found on the area surrounding the oil filter adapter attachment point, in the engine compartment, and on the underside of the fuselage. Examination of the adapter found its tightening torque to be 38.5 ft-lbs, which was below the prescribed installation torque of 65 ft-lbs. Additionally, the adapter was found installed with the originally specified fiber gasket, which the manufacturer had subsequently advised to remove and replace with a copper gasket in a mandatory service bulletin. The fiber gasket was found torn and indented. It is likely that the loose adapter and the torn fiber gasket allowed the engine oil to be pumped overboard. This ultimately resulted in the loss of oil pressure and the pilot’s decision to perform the precautionary off-airport landing. It is likely that had the mandatory service bulletin been complied with, the loss of oil pressure would not have occurred.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have addressed oil filter adapter issue before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents11

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