Accident Summary
On July 17, 2012, at approximately 1100 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 175A airplane, registration N7003E, executed a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Shelby, Indiana. The aircraft was operated by a private individual under Title 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight had departed from Anderson Municipal Airport (KAID), Anderson, Indiana, en route to Poplar Grove Airport (C77), Poplar Grove, Illinois.
Both occupants, a certificated flight instructor (CFI) and a pilot-rated passenger, were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage, including a nose-over during the landing that damaged the vertical stabilizer, as well as damage to the engine case and the #3 cylinder counterweight.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
According to a statement from the CFI, while cruising at 4,500 feet mean sea level, a knocking sound was heard from the engine. The pilots reduced power and began diverting to a nearby airport. Shortly thereafter, a loud "clunk" was heard from the engine, and smoke emanated from the engine compartment, filling the cockpit. The CFI then performed a forced landing to a bean field. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over, resulting in further structural damage.
Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine revealed evidence of oil starvation, which led to internal engine damage. Investigators were unable to determine the reason for the oil starvation. No other mechanical anomalies were reported.
Damage Assessment
The aircraft was substantially damaged: the vertical stabilizer was compromised during the nose-over, and the engine case and #3 cylinder counterweight were damaged. The extent of the damage rendered the airplane unfit for flight without major repairs.