Incident Details
On May 21, 2017, at approximately 1355 eastern daylight time, a privately owned and operated Cessna 182S, registration N378ES, sustained substantial damage when it impacted a utility pole and terrain during a forced landing near West Chester, Pennsylvania. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight departed Trenton Mercer Airport (TTN), Trenton, New Jersey, at about 1330, with a destination of Montgomery County Airpark (GAI), Gaithersburg, Maryland. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
According to the pilot, approximately 20 minutes into the flight at an altitude of about 5,000 feet mean sea level, he noticed a loss of oil pressure, and the oil pressure warning light illuminated about 1 minute later. The cylinder head temperature and oil temperature indications were normal at that time. He declared an emergency with air traffic control and received vectors to the Brandywine Airport (OQN), West Chester, Pennsylvania. A few minutes later, the engine began to shudder, making it difficult to control the airplane. The oil temperature then indicated high on the gauge, and he decided to shut down the engine. About 3 miles from OQN, he determined the airplane would likely not reach the airport and prepared for an off-airport landing in a nearby field. During the approach, he noticed powerlines obstructing his path. Unable to climb above them, he descended and attempted to fly underneath the wires; however, the left wing struck a utility pole. The airplane impacted the ground and came to rest about 200 feet beyond the pole.
Pilot Information
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, helicopter, and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on April 6, 2016. The pilot reported 2,100 hours of total flight experience, of which 1,200 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane.
Aircraft Information
The pilot reported that the airplane's most recent annual inspection was completed on September 9, 2016, about 25 flight hours prior to the accident. The engine had accrued 2,250 hours since new and about 860 hours since overhaul.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that the left wing was separated from the fuselage, and the elevator and rudder were damaged. Oil streaks were observed along the fuselage belly, aft of the engine breather tube. An initial examination of the engine revealed that metal fragments were trapped in the oil suction screen. About 1/4 quart of oil was found in the sump. The No. 6 piston did not move when the engine was rotated by hand.
The engine was subsequently examined at a recovery facility. All major components and accessories remained installed and intact. The crankcase and oil sump were intact with no punctures or other damage noted. There was no oil streaking or pooling on the engine or surrounding cowling. The spark plugs were removed; the No. 4 bottom spark plug and No. 6 top and bottom plugs were oil soaked. Thumb compression and suction were obtained on all cylinders except the No. 6 cylinder. The No. 6 cylinder was removed from the engine case. The No. 6 connecting rod was separated from the crankshaft. The connecting rod end and the crankshaft journal were discolored, smeared, and contained gouges, consistent with thermal damage. Remnants of connecting rod bearing material were found loose inside the crankcase. The crankshaft end of the connecting rod was spread open, discolored, and damaged. The rod end cap was separated from the rod, deformed, discolored, and damaged. Both were consistent with thermal damage. The piston top had impact marks consistent with contact from both valves. The exhaust valve hydraulic lifter was fractured circumferentially. A borescope examination of the remaining cylinders did not reveal any damage or unusual marks. The engine oil pump was removed; the safety wire on the housing bolts was intact, the housing cover was removed, the drive coupling, gears, and housing were intact with no damage noted, and the shaft turned freely by hand. An unmeasured amount of metal particles was noted inside the oil sump.