On March 8, 1991, a Cessna 152 (registration N69116) was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO OIL STARVATION CAUSED BY A ROTATION OF THE MAIN BEARING. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE OPERATOR MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL TO ACCOMPLISH AN ENGINE OVERHAUL WITHIN THE INTERVAL SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER. 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.
During pilot training maneuvers, a Cessna 152 experienced engine failure. Investigation revealed a rotated crankshaft bearing disrupted oil supply to connecting rods, causing a rod failure. The engine had exceeded its recommended overhaul interval.
Incident Overview
A Cessna 152 experienced an engine failure while conducting pilot training maneuvers. The student pilot reported that the engine "froze."
Examination Findings
Post-incident examination of the engine revealed that a crankshaft bearing had rotated. This rotation affected the oil supply to the number 3 and number 4 connecting rods. The number 3 connecting rod subsequently failed.
Maintenance History
Review of the engine logbook showed that the engine had accumulated 2,477.4 hours since its last major overhaul. The manufacturer's recommended time between overhauls was 2,400 hours.
What happened in the 8 Mar 1991 Cessna 152 accident near Tucson, AZ?
During pilot training maneuvers, a Cessna 152 experienced engine failure. Investigation revealed a rotated crankshaft bearing disrupted oil supply to connecting rods, causing a rod failure. The engine had exceeded its recommended overhaul interval.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Mar 1991 involved a Cessna 152, registration N69116, at Tucson, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO OIL STARVATION CAUSED BY A ROTATION OF THE MAIN BEARING. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE OPERATOR MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL TO ACCOMPLISH AN ENGINE OVERHAUL WITHIN THE INTERVAL SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
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