On February 23, 1992, a Cessna 177RG (registration N2550V) operated by Sheppard Afb Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Durango, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the number two cylinder connecting rod during flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot executed emergency procedures after an engine failure one mile from takeoff, resulting in a forced landing in rough, snow-covered terrain due to a connecting rod malfunction.
What happened
During a cross-country flight, the aircraft experienced a critical mechanical failure approximately one mile after departure. At an altitude of roughly 900 feet above ground level, the engine ceased operation due to a mechanical malfunction. The pilot immediately initiated emergency procedures and attempted to conduct a forced landing in a nearby field. The terrain was characterized as rough and uneven, with significant snow cover, which likely complicated the landing process.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed that the root cause of the engine failure was a mechanical malfunction involving the number two cylinder connecting rod. This component failure led directly to the loss of power during the early phase of flight.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the failure of the number two cylinder connecting rod. The pilot's decision to land in rough, uneven, and snow-covered terrain followed the mechanical failure. Engine failure due to internal component breakdown was the central event leading to the incident.
Probable cause
The failure of the number two cylinder connecting rod during flight.