Accident Overview
A Cessna 175 sustained damage after colliding with a tree following a total loss of power during a VFR cross-country flight. The pilot reported an engine failure at 2,000 feet MSL while descending approximately 15 miles from his destination.
Engine Failure Sequence
The pilot indicated that the engine began to vibrate slightly before the vibrations rapidly worsened. The engine then stopped suddenly, and smoke entered the cockpit.
Forced Landing
Faced with an engine failure, the pilot was forced to land and selected an open field bounded by an almond orchard. During the final approach, the left wing dipped and struck an almond tree, causing the aircraft to land short. The airplane came to rest on the edge of the open field, where it nosed over in a ditch.
Engine Oil System Examination
Examination revealed that the engine oil system had been modified with plumbing that added a line extending the drain from the drain plug to below the engine cowling. The line was plugged at the cowling end, and there was no petcock to restrict the oil from draining when the plug was removed. A leak at one of the fitting welds allowed the engine oil to flow out. When inspected, no oil was found in the engine oil system.