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NTSB Report

February 27, 2020 · Cessna 170 A · N5478C

Baker City, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 27, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Baker City, OR
Aircraft
Cessna 170 A (1950)
Tail Number
N5478C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR20LA097

The pilot reported that during a local flight, the engine started to knock and vibrate, and the oil pressure indication was low. He initiated a precautionary landing to an open field, and during the landing rollout, the airplane impacted a small ditch, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 2 connecting rod was separated from the crankshaft. The No. 2 connecting rod journal exhibited thermal distress and mechanical damage. The remaining connecting rod journals and the crankshaft main bearings also exhibited thermal discoloration consistent with oil starvation. When the engine was rotated, no oil flow was observed through the crank journals and lifters. The oil filter screen was covered in dark thick oil and metallic debris and was collapsed. It is likely that the contaminated oil filter screen collapsed under pressure from the oil pump, which prevented the normal flow of oil through the engine; this resulted in the oil starvation of the No. 2 connecting rod bearing and subsequent separation of the connecting rod from the crankshaft.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the No. 2 connecting rod bearing as a result of oil starvation due to a contaminated oil filter screen.

Full Narrative

On February 27, 2020, about 1500 mountain standard time, a Cessna 170, N5478C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Baker City, Oregon. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to warm up the oil before a scheduled annual inspection and oil change. About 15 minutes into the local flight, the engine started to “knock and vibrate badly,” and the oil pressure indication was low. The pilot initiated a precautionary landing to an open field, and during the landing rollout, the airplane impacted a small ditch. The left wing sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 2 connecting rod was separated from the crankshaft. The No. 2 connecting rod journal exhibited thermal distress and mechanical damage. The remaining connecting rod journals also exhibited thermal discoloration. The crankshaft main bearings exhibited thermal discoloration and excessive wear. When the engine was rotated, no oil flow was observed through the crank journals and lifters. The oil sump contained metal fragments, and the oil filter screen was covered in dark thick oil and metallic debris and was collapsed. The engine contained about 6 quarts of oil before the examination. According to the pilot, who was the airplane owner, the engine had 465 hours of operation since the last overhaul.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 PST
Nearest AirportBaker City Muni (7nm S)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170 A
Tail NumberN5478C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 71 · Third Class · None
Crew 2None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 30 C
Altimeter30.37 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data