Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 210D near Babylon, NY — 2010-06-25

Final reportERA10LA335
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Date
2010-06-25
Location
Babylon, NY, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 210D
Registration
N3973Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to the failure of the oil filter gasket and the subsequent engine oil depletion.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, the engine began running rough approximately 1 hour into the flight. Shortly thereafter, all engine power was lost, and the pilot executed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane collided with a walkway railing, substantially damaging the left wing. Examination of the engine revealed that it lost power due to oil starvation. Signatures within the internal components were consistent with engine operation after a depleted oil supply. Further examination revealed that the gasket between the oil filter adapter and the pump was torn, likely allowing oil to leak from this junction. Oil leak signatures including oil staining on the bottom of the engine were identified during the postaccident investigation. No determination could be made regarding how long the gasket had been in place.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked oil levels before flight to prevent engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents18

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