Pilot Debrief

CESSNA R182 near Eustis, NE — 2014-01-26

Final reportCEN14LA131
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Date
2014-01-26
Location
Eustis, NE, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA R182
Registration
N1833R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A catastrophic engine failure, which was initiated by the failure of the No. 5 connecting rod cap.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, about 30 minutes after departure, the No. 5 cylinder "went cold," showing no cylinder head or exhaust gas temperatures. The engine immediately started to vibrate excessively. The pilot turned the airplane toward the nearest airport. The engine then started to fail as other cylinders started losing temperatures. The pilot landed the airplane in a cornfield, and it was substantially damaged. The engine was disassembled and examined. Oil and metal shavings were noted on top of the crankcase. A hole was found on top of the crankcase between the Nos. 2 and 4 cylinders. When the No. 1 cylinder was removed, a threaded stud was found embedded in the piston head. The No. 3 piston was destroyed, and the connecting rod was bent. The No. 5 piston was seized inside the cylinder, its connecting rod cap was fractured, and a large hole was found in the bottom of the crankcase. The oil pan contained the remainder of the No. 5 connecting rod cap, a portion of the connecting rod where it attaches to the piston pin, and the piston pin cap. The engine had accrued 1,696.1 hours since major overhaul. The recommended time between overhaul was 2,000 hours.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have returned to GRI after first signs of engine trouble.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents14

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