On May 11, 1988, a Mooney M-20J (registration N567MM) operated by Thomas A. Gurkin was involved in an aviation accident near Yorktown, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the cylinder no. 4 connecting rod bearing because of the lack of lubrication. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot returning from a local flight experienced engine power loss and vibration after oil pressure/temperature gauges dropped to zero. An examination revealed an oil leak from a split gasket, leading to connecting rod bearing failure.
Incident Overview
A pilot was returning to the airport after a 20-minute local flight. Approximately five miles from the airport, the pilot noticed that the oil pressure and temperature gauges indicated zero. After checking the circuit breakers, the engine began to lose power and vibrate severely. The pilot shut down the engine and landed the aircraft in a field.
Examination Findings
Post-incident examination of the aircraft revealed an oil leak through a split in the oil gasket located between the oil filter converter plate and its mounting flange. Further inspection determined that the cylinder no. 4 connecting rod bearing had failed due to a lack of lubrication caused by the oil leak.
Probable cause
Failure of the cylinder no. 4 connecting rod bearing because of the lack of lubrication.