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Engine Failure During Descent Prompts Forced Landing and Tree Collision (N5980F)

Near Labelle, FL, US

On February 25, 1983, a Cessna 210H (registration N5980F) was involved in an aviation accident near Near Labelle, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The #5 cylinder piston connecting rod cap retaining bolt (part #629340) failed, leading to the fracture of the connecting rod and cap and the rupture of the engine case. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During descent to Labelle, the engine backfired, lost power, and oil covered the windshield. The pilot elected to land on a road, but the aircraft collided with a tree and cartwheeled 150 feet into a palmetto grove. Examination revealed a failed connecting rod cap retaining bolt.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that during the descent to Labelle, the engine backfired, lost power, and the windshield became covered with oil. In response, the pilot elected to land on a nearby road.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft collided with a tree during the forced landing and subsequently cartwheeled approximately 150 feet into a palmetto grove.

Engine Examination

Post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the #5 cylinder piston connecting rod cap retaining bolt, part number 629340, had failed. This failure caused the connecting rod and its cap to fracture, and the engine case adjacent to the #5 cylinder was ruptured as a result.

Probable cause

The #5 cylinder piston connecting rod cap retaining bolt (part #629340) failed, leading to the fracture of the connecting rod and cap and the rupture of the engine case.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Feb 1983 Cessna 210H accident near Near Labelle, FL?

During descent to Labelle, the engine backfired, lost power, and oil covered the windshield. The pilot elected to land on a road, but the aircraft collided with a tree and cartwheeled 150 feet into a palmetto grove. Examination revealed a failed connecting rod cap retaining bolt.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Feb 1983 involved a Cessna 210H, registration N5980F, at Near Labelle, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The #5 cylinder piston connecting rod cap retaining bolt (part #629340) failed, leading to the fracture of the connecting rod and cap and the rupture of the engine case.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42273. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.