On August 2, 1991, a Mooney M-20F (registration N6848V) operated by Griffin, Herbert L., Sr. was involved in an aviation accident near Wood River, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE NUMBER 4 CYLINDER CONNECTING ROD COP DUE TO FATIGUE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE ROUGH SURFACE OF THE FORCED LANDING AREA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported the propeller stopped without warning during cruise, necessitating a forced landing on a sand bar. The nose and right main gear collapsed; engine inspection revealed a connecting rod cap failure.
Incident Summary
The pilot-in-command stated that during cruise flight, the propeller ceased turning within six revolutions without prior warning. This unexpected loss of propulsion required an immediate forced landing.
Forced Landing
The pilot executed a forced landing on a sand bar located on the Wood River. During the landing sequence, the nose landing gear and the right main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft sustained damage from the gear collapse.
Examination Findings
Following the incident, an examination of the engine was conducted. The inspection revealed that the connecting rod cap from the number 4 connecting rod had failed approximately 1/2 inch from the mating surface, at a location abeam the head of the connecting rod bolt.