Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 210L near La Grange, TX — 2012-11-09

Final reportCEN13LA056
Sign in to save
Date
2012-11-09
Location
La Grange, TX, USA
Airport
3T5
Aircraft
CESSNA 210L
Registration
N732BL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to the loss of oil to the engine. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s improper installation of the engine oil filter adaptor, which resulted in the loss of oil to the engine.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane was in cruise flight at 7,000 ft mean sea level when he noticed that the engine oil pressure had dropped to an unacceptable level. He then attempted to divert to land at a nearby airport. However, when the airplane was on the downwind leg and after the landing gear had been extended, the engine experienced a total loss of power, so the pilot made an off-airport landing. During the landing on a soft, plowed field, the airplane flipped over and then came to rest inverted. Review of maintenance records revealed that recent maintenance, which included the replacement of the engine oil filter, had been performed on the engine. A postaccident examination of the airframe revealed an abundance of engine oil on the airplane's belly; the oil extended from the engine compartment to the tail surfaces. A teardown examination of the engine revealed that a connecting rod had released from the crankshaft due to lubrication distress. An examination of the oil filter revealed that the oil filter adapter fiber seal washer was torn where the adaptor attaches to the oil pump housing and that the washer and the oil filter adaptor were misaligned. The improper installation of the oil filter adaptor likely caused the loss of oil to the engine and the subsequent total loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for an earlier landing after noticing oil pressure drop.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents12

Related mishaps