What happened
The aircraft was engaged in an agricultural spraying operation when the engine began to backfire during a turn-around maneuver. The pilot had nearly completed the spray cycle at the time of the initial malfunction. In response, the pilot dumped the remaining chemical load and reduced power settings. Shortly thereafter, the engine quit completely.
The pilot initiated an emergency landing procedure. During the rollout phase on soft terrain, the aircraft nosed over. Post-incident inspection revealed that the number two cylinder had split open, indicating a catastrophic mechanical failure of the powerplant.
The investigation
Examination of the airframe and engine components confirmed the pilot's account of the mechanical failure. The primary physical evidence was the fractured number two cylinder, which directly led to the loss of engine power during flight.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage due to a nose-over event during an emergency landing.
- Cessna 310 (or similar twin-engine configuration implied by #2 cylinder reference) engine failure was caused by a split cylinder.
- The pilot executed a controlled emergency landing but encountered terrain difficulties during rollout.
- No injuries were reported to the pilot.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of monitoring engine performance parameters during agricultural operations. Early detection of backfiring or irregular engine behavior can provide crucial seconds for fuel management and site selection in an emergency.