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Engine Power Loss Leads to Forced Landing; Post-Accident Examination Reveals Overspeed and Rod Separation (N6303V)

Del Mar, CA, US

On September 21, 2002, a Cessna 172RG (registration N6303V) was involved in an aviation accident near Del Mar, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power due to failure of the number three connecting rod cap. Also causal was the failure of the pilot of a previous flight to report an engine overspeed event precluding the performance of the appropriate maintenance inspection. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane executed an off-airport forced landing after the engine stopped. Subsequent inspection found an overspeed exceeding limits and separation of the number 3 connecting rod cap.

Forced Landing

The airplane made an off-airport forced landing following a loss of engine power. According to the pilot, approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, the engine stopped, and he performed a forced landing in a dirt field. During the landing roll, the nose wheel dropped into a culvert, causing substantial damage to airframe structural members.

Previous Maintenance

The day before the accident, another pilot reported an "rpm bump" to maintenance personnel. Technicians discovered a leak in the oil cooler return line and repaired it.

Engine Examination

After the accident, examination of the engine determined that the rpm topped out at over 3,000 rpm. The maximum rated speed for the engine was 2,970 rpm. Textron Lycoming Service Bulletin (SB) 3691 defines an overspeed as an increase of no more than 10 percent of rated engine rpm for a period not exceeding 3 seconds. The overspeed observed exceeded 10 percent, which, according to Chart 11 of SB 3691, requires engine disassembly and inspection in accordance with the applicable overhaul manual. Further inspection revealed that the rod cap separated from the rod on the number 3 cylinder, and pieces of metal were found throughout the interior of the engine.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Sept 2002 Cessna 172RG accident near Del Mar, CA?

An airplane executed an off-airport forced landing after the engine stopped. Subsequent inspection found an overspeed exceeding limits and separation of the number 3 connecting rod cap.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Sept 2002 Cessna 172RG accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Sept 2002 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N6303V, at Del Mar, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of engine power due to failure of the number three connecting rod cap. Also causal was the failure of the pilot of a previous flight to report an engine overspeed event precluding the performance of the appropriate maintenance inspection.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020927X05233. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.