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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

October 22, 1995 · Cessna 182H · N70535

Tuscaloosa, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 22, 1995
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Location
Tuscaloosa, AL
Aircraft
Cessna 182H
Tail Number
N70535
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL96LA008

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a complete loss of engine power. He selected an emergency landing area south of the airport for a forced landing. During the emergency landing, the main landing gear was torn from the airframe, and the airplane nosed over. An examination of the engine assembly, disclosed that there was a hole in the engine case below the right magneto. A teardown examination of the engine disclosed that debris from the number one piston was scattered throughout the engine crankcase. Examination of piston debris, from the piston pin area, exhibited evidence of fatigue cracking.

NTSB Probable Cause

Fatigue failure of the number one piston assembly, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On October 22, 1995, at 1622 central daylight time, a Cessna 182H, N70535, nosed over in a field while attempting an emergency landing two miles south of the Tuscaloosa Municipal Airport in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The sightseeing flight operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot and three passengers received minor injuries. The flight departed Tuscaloosa at 1617 hours. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot radioed the tower and reported a complete loss of engine power. The controller cleared the flight for an emergency landing to any runway. The pilot told the controller that he could not make the runway, and would attempt a forced landing to a field south of the airport. During the emergency landing, the main landing gear was torn from the airframe, and the airplane nosed over. The engine examination, disclosed that there was a hole in the engine case below the right magneto. The engine teardown further disclosed that the number one piston was shattered, and pieces of piston debris were recovered from the engine crankcase. Examination of the fractured piston debris disclosed that the piston failed in fatigue at the piston pin bore section. Pistons number three and five also exhibited fatigue cracking in the piston pin boss structure. The examination of the piston debris exhibited evidence of internal piston crown baked deposits. These type deposits are normally associated with high engine operating temperatures.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:22 CDT
Nearest AirportTuscaloosa Municipal (2nm SW)
Runway22
Runway Length6499 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182H
Tail NumberN70535
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-G · Reciprocating · 225
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 27 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data