On August 22, 1993, a Cessna 177B (registration N20128) was involved in an aviation accident near Skaneateles, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft during a forced landing following an in-flight engine failure caused by oil exhaustion due to a slipped and deformed oil filter seal. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported an engine running rough before it stopped suddenly after takeoff from the airport where N20128 was parked. The aircraft struck trees during the landing attempt.
What happened
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the engine began to run roughly before stopping suddenly. He attempted a forced landing and the aircraft struck trees.
The investigation
An examination of the airport from which N20128 departed revealed a large oil spot at the location where the airplane had been parked. An inspection of the engine showed no oil remaining in the system. The oil filter canister was found crushed into the housing, and the oil filter seal was slipped and deformed.
Findings
The mechanical failure of the oil filtration system likely led to oil exhaustion, causing the engine to stop.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft during a forced landing following an in-flight engine failure caused by oil exhaustion due to a slipped and deformed oil filter seal.