On February 8, 2003, a Beech A23 (registration N2392W) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Klamath, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The separation of the rod end cap from the connecting rod for an undetermined reason during the descent for landing. The ditch was a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During descent for landing, the engine began knocking and shuddering, followed by oil and smoke from the cowling. The pilot executed a forced landing in an open field; the nose gear sheared off after crossing a ditch.
Accident Details
The pilot reported that during descent for landing, the engine started to knock and shudder. Approximately 15 seconds later, a significant noise was heard, and oil and smoke began to exit the engine cowling. The pilot initiated a forced landing to an open field. During the landing roll, the aircraft traveled over a ditch, which sheared off the nose gear.
Engine Inspection Findings
During the post-accident engine inspection, oil was visible on the bottom engine cowling and streaked along the bottom of the fuselage from the engine to the tail. A large hole was noted in the top left side of the crankcase, as well as a hole in the bottom left side between cylinders two and four. The number two rod end cap was missing, along with its bolts and nuts. Severe heat distress was noted on the number two connecting rod end and the associated crankshaft rod journal. All oil passages were clear. The number two bearing was missing. Fragments of connecting rod and bearing material were found in the oil sump. The remaining connecting rods were intact with no evidence of heat distress. All oil lines were intact and connections tight. No evidence of an oil leak was noted.