Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 170A near Marshall, IN — 2024-09-11

Final reportCEN24LA354
Sign in to save
Date
2024-09-11
Location
Marshall, IN, USA
Airport
82IS
Aircraft
CESSNA 170A
Registration
N1249D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The fatigue fracture of the No. 6 piston connecting rod, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that during cruise flight there was a loss of engine power that was preceded by a loud banging sound. The engine oil temperature increased, and oil sprayed onto the windshield. The pilot planned to land the airplane on a short open area but overshot the area because he could not dissipate enough of the airplane’s energy. He then landed the airplane on a corn field where it contacted the corn, nosed over, and impacted the ground. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed a hole in the crankcase above the No. 6 cylinder assembly. The No. 6 connecting rod was fractured near its base. Metallurgical examination of the connecting rod revealed the fracture features were consistent with fatigue cracking that initiated at multiple locations on the outer surface opposite the inner bearing surfaces that mated to the crankshaft.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have performed a precautionary landing before engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

Related mishaps