On November 20, 2002, a Cessna 210L (registration N93770) operated by Cloud Chasers was involved in an aviation accident near Kentwood, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the #1 and #2 connecting rods during climb to cruise due to overheating, resulting from oil starvation. A contributing factor was the low cloud conditions limiting the pilot's visibility during the ensuing emergency landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot and a commercial pilot passenger experienced engine failure including loud bang and smoke. Attempted landing at an airstrip was hampered by clouds, resulting in impact with trees.
Incident Narrative
While climbing through cloud layers, an instrument-rated private pilot noted a momentary excursion in engine rpm just after passing 8,000 feet. The pilot observed that engine oil pressure indicated zero and alerted the commercial pilot passenger. Soon after the passenger suggested returning to the departure airport, a loud bang emanated from the engine, accompanied by smoke over the windshield and an acrid smell in the cockpit. With the passenger's assistance, the pilot set up for a landing at an airstrip, but cloud layers prevented visual acquisition of the strip. As the airplane neared the airstrip, the passenger yelled "trees," and the airplane subsequently impacted the trees.
Examination Findings
A post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the #1 and #2 connecting rods had failed due to overheating caused by oil starvation. The underlying reason for the oil starvation could not be determined.