Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172K near Wilmot, WI — 2016-10-04

Final reportCEN17LA006
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Date
2016-10-04
Location
Wilmot, WI, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172K
Registration
N46377
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

A failure of the No. 1 piston pin plug due to corrosion in the cylinder barrel, which resulted in oil contamination, oil starvation to the crankshaft connecting rod bearings, and a subsequent partial loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot stated that the engine experienced a partial loss of power shortly after takeoff on the local flight. In an effort to regain power, the pilot switched fuel tanks, applied carburetor heat, and richened the fuel mixture, but the engine continued to operate at reduced power. The pilot attempted to land at a nearby airport; however, he overshot the runway and decided to perform a forced landing to an adjacent cornfield. During the landing, the right wing impacted the corn, and the airplane came to rest upright. Partial disassembly of the engine revealed a failure of the No. 1 piston pin plug due to corrosion in the No. 1 cylinder barrel. The plug failure resulted in significant oil contamination and subsequent oil starvation and damage to the crankshaft connecting rod bearings. The damage to the bearings resulted in the partial loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a more thorough preflight engine check.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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