On June 30, 2002, a Waltz RV-8 (registration N877TC) was involved in an aviation accident near Omaha, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power due to a loose connecting rod cap bolt and the resulting fatigue failure of the connecting rod cap. A related factor was the unsuitable terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane experienced a propeller overspeed, oil pressure fluctuation, and engine power loss, leading to a forced landing in a bean field. The main landing gear collapsed, and inspection revealed a fractured connecting rod cap.
Incident Overview
The aircraft sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The pilot reported that the airplane experienced a propeller overspeed condition, which was followed by a fluctuation in oil pressure. The pilot stated that the engine started "banging" and lost power a few minutes later.
Forced Landing
The pilot executed a forced landing to a bean field. During the landing, the main landing gear collapsed.
Engine Inspection
Inspection of the engine revealed that the number four engine cylinder connecting rod cap and its cap bolts had fractured. A metallurgical examination determined that the nut of one of the connecting rod cap bolts was partially engaged. The connecting rod cap exhibited evidence of fatigue cracking along the fracture surface. The fracture features of both connecting rod cap bolts indicated that the bolts had separated due to overload.