On August 6, 1992, a Cessna 175A (registration N6853E) operated by Conroy, Robert J. was involved in an aviation accident near East Lansing, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING CRUISE FLIGHT. RELATED FACTORS ARE THE LOOSE OIL FILLER CAP, AND THE SHORT, WET GRASS STRIP USED FOR THE EMERGENCY LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise at 3,000 feet, the engine ran rough and oil pressure dropped. The pilot performed a forced landing on a grass airstrip. The aircraft overran the runway, crossed a road, and came to rest inverted in a ditch. Post-accident examination found engine oil on the exterior and a loose oil filler cap.
Incident Summary
The pilot reported that while cruising at 3,000 feet, the engine began to run roughly and a drop in oil pressure was noted. A forced landing was executed on a grass airstrip at an uncontrolled airport. During the landing, the airplane departed the runway end, crossed a road, and came to rest inverted in a ditch.
Post-Accident Findings
Examination of the wreckage after the accident revealed engine oil present across the wings, tail section, and the sides and bottom of the fuselage. The oil filler cap was found loose in the engine compartment, still attached by its retaining chain.