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July 17, 2000 · Cessna P210N · N5256W

Richfield Sprng, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 17, 2000
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Richfield Sprng, NY
Aircraft
Cessna P210N
Tail Number
N5256W
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC00LA200

While in cruise flight about 3,700 feet mean-sea-level, the pilot heard a loud 'pop', and the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field, struck a rock, and the airplane came to rest inverted. Examination of the engine revealed that the crankshaft had separated between the number two and number three connecting rods. Additionally, the main bearing from the number two cylinder had shifted rearward. Material transfer, between the bearing and the area of the crankshaft near the fracture, was consistent with the bearing rubbing against the crankshaft. Review of the maintenance records, from the facility that previously performed maintenance on the airplane, revealed that all six cylinders were replaced about 100 hours of operation prior to the accident. One of the through-bolts was found to be at a torque setting that was less than the specified torque setting. The investigation could not determine if the bolt was not at a proper torque setting before the accident, or if the impact had loosened the bolt. The owner of the maintenance facility stated that the bolts were set to the correct torque.

NTSB Probable Cause

Failure of the number two cylinder main bearing for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On July 17, 2000, at 1513 Eastern Daylight Time, a Cessna P210N, N5256W, was substantially damaged during a forced landing in a field near Richfield Springs, New York. The certificated private pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Fulton County Airport (NY0), Johnstown, New York, about 1450; and was destined for Port Columbus International Airport, Columbus, Ohio. The pilot stated that during the climb from NY0, the climb performance of the airplane was less than normal, and "the engine was not acting right." About 3,700 feet mean-sea-level, the pilot heard a "pop", and the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane struck a rock, and came to rest inverted. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that metal was present in the engine oil filter. A representative from the engine manufacturer, under the supervision of the FAA inspector, examined the engine at the facility that previously performed maintenance work on the airplane. The examination revealed that the crankshaft had separated between the number two and number three connecting rods. Further examination revealed that the main bearing from the number two cylinder had shifted rearward. The representative noted material transfer between the bearing and the area of the crankshaft near the fracture. The material transfer was consistent with the bearing rubbing against the crankshaft. Review of the maintenance records revealed that all six cylinders were replaced about 100 hours of operation prior to the accident. The representative and the FAA inspector checked the torque on the cylinder through-bolts. They found that one of the bolts was at a torque setting that was less than the specified torque setting. However, they could not determine if the bolt was not at a proper torque setting before the accident, or if the impact had loosened the bolt. The owner of the maintenance facility said that the bolts were set to the correct torque.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:13 EDT
Nearest AirportFulton County Airport (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna P210N
Tail NumberN5256W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-520 P · Reciprocating · 310
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 6 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data