Summary
The aircraft was cruising at 4,500 feet when the engine stopped without warning. The pilot landed in a partially cleared paddock, the only suitable area. During the landing roll the aircraft struck trees, and the nose gear was torn out. The aircraft nosed over, coming to rest inverted.
Failure of the magneto drive gear caused the engine failure. Investigation found the detached gear in the engine oil sump. The aircraft had suffered a recent propeller strike (130 hours prior) and it appeared that the gear had been defective for some time. The fracture face was discoloured from carbon/oil deposits. It is possible that the two events were related.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199400036 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 06/01/1994 |
| Location | 12 km north-east of Biggenden |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 16/09/1994 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Forced/precautionary landing |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 172N |
| Registration | VH-TKH |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Gladstone QLD |
| Destination | Maroochydore QLD |
| Damage | Destroyed |