What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-01-14 involved a Cessna 205A, registration N8352Z, operated by Owens, Grady, at Spring, TX.

Engine Vibration and Oil Leak Force Off-Airport Landing, Resulting in Nose-Over (N8352Z)

On January 14, 1992, a Cessna 205A (registration N8352Z) operated by Owens, Grady was involved in an aviation accident near Spring, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Four of the number two cylinder studs exhibited multi-origin fatigue at the fracture surface due to improper stretch or torque on the studs. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

While at 12,000 feet, the pilot experienced severe engine vibrations and oil leaking onto the windshield. After ATC vectors, the pilot performed an off-airport forced landing due to obscured visibility and worsening vibrations. During the landing on wet plowed terrain, the airplane nosed over.

Incident Overview

At an altitude of 12,000 feet above ground level, the pilot encountered severe engine vibrations. Simultaneously, oil was observed escaping from the engine cowling and spreading onto the windshield. The pilot notified air traffic control, who initially provided vectors to an airport located approximately 18 miles away.

Forced Landing

As the oil on the windshield increasingly obscured visibility and the engine vibrations intensified, the pilot decided to abandon the attempt to reach the airport and instead conducted a forced landing off the airport. The landing was performed on wet, plowed terrain. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over.

Examination Findings

Subsequent examination of the engine revealed that four of the number two cylinder studs exhibited multi-origin fatigue at the fracture surface. This condition was attributed to improper stretch or torque applied to the studs.

Probable cause

Four of the number two cylinder studs exhibited multi-origin fatigue at the fracture surface due to improper stretch or torque on the studs.

1992-01-14: Cessna 205A (N8352Z) — Owens, Grady — Spring, TX