Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172M near South Wayne, WI — 2012-07-10

Final reportCEN12LA508
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Date
2012-07-10
Location
South Wayne, WI, USA
Airport
EFT
Aircraft
CESSNA 172M
Registration
N12504
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

Internal engine component failures, which resulted from oil starvation due to debris in the oil system.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after about 2 hours 20 minutes of uneventful flight and while cruising at 4,500 ft mean sea level, the engine rpm decreased. He applied carburetor heat, and, about 2 minutes later, the engine rpm decreased to about 1,500, the oil pressure dropped to 0, and the propeller stopped. The oil temperature indicator in the cockpit was in the normal range. The pilot chose to execute a forced landing in a soybean field since an airport was not within glide distance. Upon touchdown in the field, the airplane flipped over and then came to rest inverted. Examination of the airplane wreckage revealed that a sufficient quantity of oil (about 5 quarts) was present in the engine and that the lubrication system was intact and appeared to be in compliance with applicable airworthiness directives. However, two pieces of foreign plasticlike material, which were about 1/4 inch by 3/8 inch and 1/4 inch by 5/16 inch, respectively, were found lodged in the oil sump screen. The debris likely blocked oil distribution to the engine, which resulted in oil starvation and the subsequent connecting rod failure. It could not be determined how the debris got into the oil system; the exact source of the debris also could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked engine performance before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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