Pilot Debrief

CESSNA U206B near Winterset, IA — 2012-04-01

Final reportCEN12LA224
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Date
2012-04-01
Location
Winterset, IA, USA
Airport
3Y3
Aircraft
CESSNA U206B
Registration
N3830G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The loss of oil pressure to the No. 4 connecting rod journal and the subsequent loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he departed the airport with six parachutists for a jump flight. As the airplane approached 1,000 feet above ground level, he noticed that the airplane wasn’t climbing. He checked the engine gauges and noticed that the engine analyzer was flashing “CHT” and the cylinder head temperature was 454 degrees F. As the pilot pitched the nose down and turned back to the airport, he heard a muffled “thud” sound and saw white smoke pour from the engine. As he prepared for a forced landing, four of the parachutists jumped from the airplane. The pilot then performed a forced landing in a field, coming to a stop near a dirt berm. An examination revealed a hole in the engine crankcase, near the No. 4 cylinder. Various pieces of metal, including part of a “quick oil drain plug” were found in the engine oil sump. The No. 4 connecting rod journal appeared distorted and displayed extensive heat signatures. The crankshaft journals on either side of the No. 4 rod journals did not appear to be distorted or to contain the same heat signatures and were coated with engine oil. The rod and crankshaft bearings were scored. The signatures on the engine were consistent with the loss of lubricant to the No. 4 connecting rod journal. A reason for the loss of engine oil to the journal was not found.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after noticing engine temperature issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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