On October 16, 2004, a Cessna T210N (registration N11FB) was involved in an aviation accident near Seven Points, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A fatigue fracture at the attachment point between the #1 connecting rod and its cap, resulting in connecting rod separation and subsequent engine power loss. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise, a 3,500-hour pilot experienced a total engine power loss and executed a forced landing to an open field. During the roll, the right horizontal stabilizer contacted a hay bale. Investigation revealed a fatigue fracture in the #1 connecting rod.
Accident Summary
A pilot with approximately 3,500 hours of flight experience reported a complete loss of engine power while in cruise flight. The pilot subsequently initiated a forced landing to an open field. During the landing roll, the aircraft's right horizontal stabilizer struck a bale of hay. No further details of the impact or post-accident conditions were provided.
Engine Examination
An examination of the engine revealed that the #1 connecting rod had separated from the rod journal, breaking into six pieces. A metallurgical analysis of the remaining portions of the #1 connecting rod identified a fatigue fracture at the junction where the connecting rod and connecting rod cap attach. This fatigue fracture was determined to be the cause of the connecting rod separation, leading to the loss of engine power.
Probable cause
A fatigue fracture at the attachment point between the #1 connecting rod and its cap, resulting in connecting rod separation and subsequent engine power loss.