Incident Overview
On September 3, 2022, at approximately 1635 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172M, registration N9619H, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Clearfield, Pennsylvania. The private pilot and a passenger were on board and reported no injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Report
According to a written statement provided by the pilot to the National Transportation Safety Board, the airplane had 42 gallons of fuel onboard at departure. The preflight inspection was completed, and the engine run-up was normal. During the initial climb, at about 300 feet above ground level, the engine began to shake and then lost all power. The pilot lowered the nose and observed that the airplane was still over the runway but too close to the end to land on the remaining runway. He executed a “hard” left turn in an attempt to land on the runway in the opposite direction; however, the airplane impacted a field.
FAA Inspection
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that the pilot stated the engine lost partial power, and during the 180° left turn back to the airport, he moved the fuel selector to off in preparation for an off-airport impact. The engine subsequently lost all power, and the airplane impacted a field, coming to rest upright in a wooded area at the edge of the field. The inspector examined the wreckage and observed substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Engine Examination
After recovery, the FAA inspector further examined the engine. No compression was noted on the No. 1 cylinder, and the No. 3 cylinder showed 24/80 psi compression; however, the compression test was performed on a cold engine. The inspector was able to start the engine and run it at idle power but did not attempt to increase power due to a bent propeller. Subsequently, the No. 1 and No. 3 cylinders were removed, revealing scoring on the No. 1 piston skirt and cylinder wall. The inspector and a representative from the engine manufacturer, who reviewed photographs, stated that the scoring was consistent with tappet-to-camshaft wear.
Maintenance History
Review of maintenance records indicated that the most recent annual inspection was completed on August 4, 2022. At that time, the engine had accumulated 1,718 hours since its most recent major overhaul, which was performed in December 2009.