On September 8, 1994, a Mooney M20F (registration N9310V) was involved in an aviation accident near Hanston, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the number two connecting rod. Factors in the accident were the fouled windshield utility wires, the road sign, and the telephone pole. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
About two hours into flight, a loud bang was heard, the windshield was covered with oil, and the cockpit filled with smoke. During a forced landing on a road, the airplane struck utility wires, then a sign and pole.
Flight Sequence
Approximately two hours into the flight, the pilot reported hearing a loud bang. The windshield became covered with oil, the airplane shook violently, and the cockpit filled with smoke. The pilot prepared for a forced landing. While attempting to land on a road, the airplane collided with utility wires. It then impacted the ground and struck a road sign and a telephone pole before coming to rest.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination revealed that the number two cylinder connecting rod had failed. The connecting rod was sent to the NTSB Materials Laboratory in Washington, D.C., for further examination. The laboratory reported that the fractures of the components submitted appeared to have features representative of overstress separations or cyclic stress. There was no evidence of fatigue from normal operations.