Casualties unknown

Engine Oil Pressure Loss and Forced Landing in Grass Field (N2679V)

Covington, GA, US

On September 5, 1998, a Cessna 177RG (registration N2679V) was involved in an aviation accident near Covington, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The No. 3 connecting rod bearing became unsecured and rotated, blocking its lubrication port, which led to the No. 3 connecting rod failing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported losing indicated engine oil pressure shortly after takeoff. The engine seized, forcing an emergency landing in a grass field where the aircraft struck a fence. Examination revealed a failed No. 3 connecting rod bearing.

Incident Overview and Emergency Landing Reportedly, the pilot experienced a loss of indicated engine oil pressure approximately 10 minutes after takeoff. Following this initial indication, the engine began to run rough and ultimately seized about two miles short of the pilot's intended divert airport. In response to the mechanical failure, the pilot initiated an emergency landing in a nearby grass field. During the landing rollout, the airplane collided with a fence. ## Mechanical Examination Findings Subsequent examination of the engine identified the specific mechanical failure. The No. 3 connecting rod bearing had become unsecured and rotated about its installed location, which ultimately blocked its lubrication port. This failure led to the No. 3 connecting rod failing. Additionally, a hole was observed in the crankcase adjacent to the No. 1 cylinder.

Probable cause

The No. 3 connecting rod bearing became unsecured and rotated, blocking its lubrication port, which led to the No. 3 connecting rod failing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11129. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.