Accident Overview
A Cessna 210 experienced an in-flight loss of engine power, leading to a forced landing on rough terrain. The aircraft sustained substantial damage upon impact. The pilot-rated passenger reported minor injuries, while the pilot was uninjured.
Aircraft and Ownership
The airplane had been repossessed by a bank. The bank was informed that the engine was reportedly making metal. A broker for the bank requested a ferry permit from the FAA for the aircraft being out of annual only. An aircraft purchase agreement was completed between the bank, the aircraft broker, and the pilot-rated passenger for the buyer of record. The agreement stated, "Aircraft sold as-is, where is." The bank's representative said that no representations were made to the purchasers, that no reports of the airplane status were passed on to the purchasers, and that the ferry permit was faxed to his location.
Ferry Permit and Inspection
The special flight permit included a limitation that carriage of persons other than essential crewmembers was prohibited. The accident pilot stated that his medical certificate had expired at the time of the accident. The pilot-rated passenger, who was an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic, endorsed the airplane's logbook with the entry: "I have inspected this aircraft [and] found it to be airworthy for a one time ferry flight in accordance with this ferry permit."
Engine Examination
Examination of the accident engine revealed a hole in its case near the number two cylinder. Disassembly showed silver-colored and silver-and-copper-colored debris in the oil sump pan. The oil screen assembly was secured by twisted safety wire, which was coated with an oil-like substance, and a dust-like substance was found adhering to the twists. The screen and oil cooler contained debris. The crankshaft's cheek was found separated between the number two connecting rod and the number two main bearing. The cheek was discolored and deformed. The number two main bearing was found with its left half not in place.
Laboratory Findings
The aft crankshaft section was sent to the Materials Laboratory for detailed examination. The lab report stated: "Fracture features for the fatigue region emanated from multiple origins on the surface of the aft radius of the second main journal, with primary initiation approximately in the center of the origin area. The boundary of the fatigue region was obliterated by mechanical damage. The surface of the aft second main journal cheek radius was scored and burnished. Ladder cracks were also observed in the cheek radius."