On September 10, 2000, a Cessna R172K (registration N1036V) was involved in an aviation accident near Aurora, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine oil pump shaft or 'idler pin' for the driven gear worked free from its pressed-in position, leading to fracture of the tachometer drive gear shaft, failure of the engine oil pump, loss of oil pressure, and total loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night cross-country flight, an engine seizure forced a pilot to make an emergency descent and land in a rough field, collapsing the nose gear. Investigation revealed an oil pump idler pin worked free, causing oil pump failure and power loss.
Incident Details
During a night cross-country flight, the engine began to run rough and subsequently seized. The pilot executed an emergency descent and performed a forced landing in a rough field. Upon impact, the nose gear strut collapsed and the firewall buckled.
Investigation Findings
A post-accident engine teardown examination identified the cause of the power loss. The engine oil pump shaft, also referred to as the 'idler pin' for the driven gear, had worked free from its pressed-in position on the accessory case. The movement of this pin allowed it to fracture through the engine oil pump cover plate. The fractured pin then came into contact with the tachometer drive gear, resulting in a fracture of the tachometer drive gear shaft. This fracture caused the engine oil pump to fail, leading to a loss of engine oil pressure and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
Probable cause
The engine oil pump shaft or 'idler pin' for the driven gear worked free from its pressed-in position, leading to fracture of the tachometer drive gear shaft, failure of the engine oil pump, loss of oil pressure, and total loss of engine power.
What happened in the 10 Sept 2000 Cessna R172K accident near Aurora, CO?
During a night cross-country flight, an engine seizure forced a pilot to make an emergency descent and land in a rough field, collapsing the nose gear. Investigation revealed an oil pump idler pin worked free, causing oil pump failure and power loss.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Sept 2000 involved a Cessna R172K, registration N1036V, at Aurora, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine oil pump shaft or 'idler pin' for the driven gear worked free from its pressed-in position, leading to fracture of the tachometer drive gear shaft, failure of the engine oil pump, loss of oil pressure, and total loss of engine power.
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