Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182Q near Prichard, ID — 2015-07-21

Final reportWPR15LA220
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Date
2015-07-21
Location
Prichard, ID, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 182Q
Registration
N759LV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the No. 6 cylinder piston pin.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot reported that, during cruise on the fire reconnaissance flight, he heard a loud pop, followed by oil covering the windscreen; the engine subsequently experienced a total loss of power. Despite the pilot's attempts, the engine would not restart, and he initiated a forced landing to an open field. During the landing roll, the nose landing gear separated from the airplane and the right wing impacted the ground. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the bottom portion of the No. 6 cylinder piston, piston pin, and connecting rod cap were separated. Metallurgical examination of the piston pin revealed evidence of a fatigue fracture originating from the outside of the pin that progressed inward until the final fracture along the middle of the pin cross-section. The fatigue crack initiation site did not reveal any material or mechanical defects, such as pits, voids, or inclusions. Examination of the piston, connecting rod bolts, and connecting rod cap revealed fractures consistent with overstress. No additional anomalies were noted with the engine.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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