Cessna 177B, VH-RLR, near Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, on 13 April 1990

199003057

Summary

Circumstances:

The aircraft was in normal cruising flight when the propeller suddenly went to fine pitch. A check of the instruments showed that the engine oil pressure gauge as reading low. The pilot immediately altered course in an attempt to reach a nearby airstrip. However, the engine then seized completely, and the pilot was forced to carry out an emergency landing on a roadway. During the landing roll the right wing hit a tree, slewing the aircraft off the road and into a ditch. A subsequent inspection revealed that the external line which carries oil to the propeller governor had burst. It was found that this pipe had for some time been chafing against a clamp which secured another oil line.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199003057
Occurrence date 13/04/1990
Location near Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island
State Queensland
Report release date 19/07/1990
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company
Model 177
Registration VH-RLR
Serial number 177-01779
Sector Piston
Operation type Private
Departure point Hoxton Park NSW
Destination Redcliffe QLD
Damage Substantial