On March 25, 1991, a Cessna T210N (registration N6237Y) operated by John E. Naughton was involved in an aviation accident near Milleville, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the number 5 cylinder exhaust valve, which led to connecting rod failure and catastrophic engine casing fracture. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During descent to avoid icing, the pilot experienced an engine surge, oil pressure loss, and manifold pressure drop. After an emergency landing in a field, the nose wheel strut broke, causing the aircraft to nose over. Investigation revealed a fractured exhaust valve in cylinder 5.
Accident Sequence
While descending to avoid icing conditions, the pilot noted a surge effect from the engine. The oil pressure gauge dropped to zero, and the manifold pressure read between 15 and 17 inches. Application of the fuel pump and enrichment of the mixture produced no response. The pilot steered the aircraft toward a field for a forced landing. After touchdown, the wheels encountered a boggy area, causing the nose wheel strut to break. The aircraft subsequently nosed over.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, the engine was removed and subjected to a teardown at the factory. The teardown revealed that an exhaust valve from the number 5 cylinder had broken off. This failure led to a connecting rod failure and ultimately resulted in a catastrophic fracture of the engine casing.
Probable cause
Failure of the number 5 cylinder exhaust valve, which led to connecting rod failure and catastrophic engine casing fracture.
What happened in the 25 Mar 1991 Cessna T210N accident near Milleville, NJ?
During descent to avoid icing, the pilot experienced an engine surge, oil pressure loss, and manifold pressure drop. After an emergency landing in a field, the nose wheel strut broke, causing the aircraft to nose over. Investigation revealed a fractured exhaust valve in cylinder 5.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Mar 1991 involved a Cessna T210N, registration N6237Y, operated by John E. Naughton, at Milleville, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Failure of the number 5 cylinder exhaust valve, which led to connecting rod failure and catastrophic engine casing fracture.
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