On March 7, 1987, a Cessna 182P (registration N4473M) was involved in an aviation accident near Refugio, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failure was caused by the lock bolts backing out due to not being safety wired, which led to the breakage of the rocker arm shaft retainer ear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft suffered an engine failure during the initial climb phase, resulting in a forced landing that destroyed the plane. Investigation revealed mechanical issues with cylinder components.
What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was climbing after takeoff. An engine failure took place during this phase of flight, leading to a forced landing. The aircraft was destroyed during this emergency landing procedure.
The investigation
A teardown of the engine revealed that the No. 1 cylinder rocker arm shaft retainer ear had broken. This failure was linked to the two lock bolts backing out because they had not been safety wired. Although the No. 2 cylinder had not failed, both of its bolts had also backed out. The report notes that the two cylinders had been replaced 155 hours prior to the incident.
Findings
The primary mechanical issue involved the lock bolts backing out on both the No. 1 and No. 2 cylinders. The lack of safety wiring allowed these bolts to move, leading to the breakage of the retainer ear on the No. 1 cylinder rocker arm shaft.
Probable cause
The engine failure was caused by the lock bolts backing out due to not being safety wired, which led to the breakage of the rocker arm shaft retainer ear.
What happened in the 7 Mar 1987 Cessna 182P accident near Refugio, TX?
An aircraft suffered an engine failure during the initial climb phase, resulting in a forced landing that destroyed the plane. Investigation revealed mechanical issues with cylinder components.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Mar 1987 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N4473M, at Refugio, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine failure was caused by the lock bolts backing out due to not being safety wired, which led to the breakage of the rocker arm shaft retainer ear.
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