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Loss of Engine Power During Cruise Leads to Forced Landing and Nose-Over (N7320E)

Florence, SC, US

On April 3, 1992, a Cessna 210 (registration N7320E) operated by Held, Daniel Z. was involved in an aviation accident near Florence, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE ENGINE COUNTERWEIGHT RETENTION RINGS WHICH RESULTED IN THE SEPARATION OF THE RETENTION PIN, ALLOWING THE LEADING EDGE OF THE COUNTERWEIGHT TO STRIKE THE CRANKCASE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While cruising at 5,000 feet, the pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power. An emergency descent and forced landing were made in a plowed field; upon touchdown, the nose wheel dug in and the airplane nosed over. Examination revealed incorrectly installed counterweight retention rings.

Accident Overview

While cruising at 5,000 feet MSL, the pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power. An emergency descent was initiated, and the pilot executed a forced landing in a nearby plowed field. During touchdown, the nose wheel dug into the soft ground, causing the airplane to nose over.

Engine Examination

Post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 3 and No. 4 connecting rods were broken. A hole was found in the engine crankcase adjacent to the No. 4 cylinder. A subsequent teardown of the engine disclosed that two counterweight retention rings had become dislodged from their normally installed positions. The examination also revealed that these two rings had been installed with the bevelled side outboard and the flat side inboard. According to the engine overhaul manual, the flat side of the retention rings should be installed outboard. The remaining retention rings were found to be installed properly.

Maintenance History

Historical maintenance information on the counterweight was not recovered.

No further details are available from the investigation.

Engine failure

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Apr 1992 Cessna 210 accident near Florence, SC?

While cruising at 5,000 feet, the pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power. An emergency descent and forced landing were made in a plowed field; upon touchdown, the nose wheel dug in and the airplane nosed over. Examination revealed incorrectly installed counterweight retention rings.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Apr 1992 involved a Cessna 210, registration N7320E, operated by Held, Daniel Z., at Florence, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE ENGINE COUNTERWEIGHT RETENTION RINGS WHICH RESULTED IN THE SEPARATION OF THE RETENTION PIN, ALLOWING THE LEADING EDGE OF THE COUNTERWEIGHT TO STRIKE THE CRANKCASE. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE SUBSEQENT LOSS OF POWER AND THE SOFT FIELD.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14371. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.