On January 19, 1992, a Cessna 175 (registration N8293T) operated by Nolen, Donald G was involved in an aviation accident near Warren, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AS A RESULT OF A CONNECTING ROD FAILURE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE POWER LINES AND TREES IN THE PATH OF THE SELECTED EMERGENCY LANDING SITE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that after noticing slightly elevated oil temperature, he landed and removed the winterization kit. Upon resuming flight, the engine lost power and emitted smoke. He shut down the engine, requested vectors, but could not reach the airport. A forced landing on a residential street resulted in contact with a powerline and tree. Postaccident inspection revealed a broken connecting rod on the #3 journal and a hole in the crankcase.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, during flight he observed that the oil temperature was slightly above normal. He subsequently landed the airplane and removed the winterization kit. Shortly after resuming the flight, the engine began to lose power and smoke developed. The pilot shut down the engine and requested vectors to the nearest airport. Unable to reach the airport, he attempted a forced landing to a residential street. During the landing, the airplane contacted a powerline and a tree, eventually coming to rest in the front yard of a residence.
Postaccident Inspection
A postaccident inspection of the engine revealed a broken connecting rod on the #3 journal and a hole in the crankcase. No other damage or anomalies were reported.
Probable Cause
The source does not state a probable cause for the accident.