On December 27, 2005, a Cessna 177-RG (registration N53257) was involved in an aviation accident near Locust Grove, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The total loss of engine power due to failure of the No.1 connecting rod bearing and separation of the No. 1 connecting rod. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise at 2,000 feet AGL, engine power dropped, oil pressure hit zero, and power was lost. The pilot performed an emergency landing on unsuitable terrain, resulting in substantial damage. Examination revealed a failed No.1 connecting rod bearing.
Incident Description
The pilot was in cruise flight at 2,000 feet above ground level when the engine did not appear to be producing full power. The pilot reversed course toward the departure airport. Subsequently, the engine oil pressure decreased to zero and the engine lost power. The pilot executed an emergency landing to non-suitable terrain, and the airplane sustained substantial damage during the landing roll-out.
Engine Examination
The engine was disassembled after the incident. The No.1 cylinder was removed, revealing that the No.1 connecting rod was bent and had separated from the crankshaft journal. The No.1 connecting rod, piston, and oil suction debris were forwarded to the NTSB Materials Laboratory for further examination.
NTSB Findings
The examination conducted at the NTSB Materials Laboratory revealed a failure of the No.1 connecting rod bearing.