Summary
While in cruise the pilot heard a bang, the engine started vibrating and suffered an almost total power loss. The pilot was able to carry out a successful forced landing onto a disused agricultural strip. A bulk strip of the engine found that the #1 cylinder connecting rod bolts had failed. The connecting rod cap had also failed. The engine was severely damaged, and further investigation was not possible. It is suspected that incorrect torque of the connecting rod bolts could have been a contributing factor to their failure.
Significant Factors
1. Engine power was lost when the #1 connecting rod detached.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199304130 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 12/12/1993 |
| Location | 70 km south of Canberra |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report release date | 30/08/1994 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Forced/precautionary landing |
| Occurrence class | Incident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company |
|---|---|
| Model | R172K |
| Registration | VH-WKW |
| Sector | Piston |
| Departure point | Canberra ACT |
| Destination | Bombala NSW |
| Damage | Nil |