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January 18, 2009 · Cessna 152 · N6566P

Wauchula, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 18, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Wauchula, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N6566P
Operator
Dean International
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09LA146

The pilot was climbing to 7,500 feet mean sea level when the engine started vibrating. The engine temperature increased and the engine stopped. The pilot realized that he could not make an airport and made a forced landing to a phosphate field. Examination of the engine revealed that it contained 6 quarts of dark black oil. The oil filter was removed and contained metallic contamination. Disassembly of the engine revealed dirt particle embedment on the Numbers 1 and 2 cylinder connecting rod bearings. The Number 3 connecting rod bearing was found disconnected from the crankshaft, with only small steel fragments remaining. The No. 3 connecting rod cap and associated broken rod bolts displayed overload signatures. The Number 4 connecting rod remained attached to the crankshaft and displayed heavy heat damage consistent with oil starvation. The operator reported that its maintenance personnel were performing oil changes during the 100-hour inspections. Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin 480E states that engines with a full-flow filtration system are required to have the oil changed at 50-hour intervals.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to failure of the Number 3 connecting rod due to oil contamination. Contributing to the accident was the insufficient oil change time intervals performed by company personnel.

Full Narrative

On January 18, 2009, at 1400 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N6566P, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Wauchula, Florida, after experiencing a total loss of engine power. The certificated private pilot and the passenger reported no injuries. The airplane was registered to J.A. Mega Aircraft LLC, and operated by Dean International Inc., as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Brooksville, Florida, about 1315. The pilot stated he was climbing from 7,200 feet to 7,500 feet mean sea level, utilizing flight following with air traffic control (ATC). The engine started vibrating, the engine temperature was high, and the engine shut down. The pilot called ATC, reported the situation, and squawked the emergency code on the transponder. Air Traffic Control informed the pilot the nearest airport was located 10 miles from his position. The pilot realized he would not make the airport and made a forced landing to a phosphate field. The nose landing gear collided with a small grassy hill during landing roll out, and the airplane nosed over. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector and a representative from the engine manufacturer examined the engine assembly on February 3, 2009, at a local salvage company. The engine did not display any outward indication of a mechanical malfunction. High heat paint discoloration was present on the cylinder heads. The engine crankshaft was seized and would not rotate. Partial disassembly of the engine revealed about 6 quarts of dark black oil was present in the engine. The oil filter was removed, opened, and contained metallic contamination. Further examination of the engine revealed evidence of dirt particle embedment on the No. 1 and No. 2 cylinder connecting rod bearings (P/N AEL69373M006). The No. 3 connecting rod bearing was destroyed, with only small steel fragments remained as the connecting rod was found disconnected from the crankshaft. The separated No. 3-rod cap sustained secondary mechanical damage. The associated broken rod bolts (P/N SL78027G) of the No. 3 connecting rod assembly were retrieved and displayed overload signatures. The No. 4 connecting rod remained attached and displayed heavy heat damage consistent with oil starvation. Review of the maintenance logbooks revealed the engine was field-overhauled on March 18, 2008, and had accumulated 822 hours since the field-overhaul. Review of maintenance records revealed the operator performed regular 100-hour inspections. However, the maintenance records do not indicate the frequency of the oil changes. A representative of the operator stated oil changes are accomplished at the 100-hour inspection interval. Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 480E states in Section I. C, that engines equipped with a full-flow filtration system requires the oil to be changed at 50-hour intervals.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN6566P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDean International
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 8 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 41 C
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time19:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data