Flight History
On 1 September 2010, a Cessna 172, registered PK-ROG, operated by Bali International Flight Academy (BIFA), was conducting touch-and-go training at Blimbingsari Aerodrome in Banyuwangi, East Java. After three touch-and-go landings, the instructor pilot observed the oil temperature beginning to fluctuate while other engine parameters remained normal. At the fifth touch-and-go, the oil temperature became steady at the top of the red band. The instructor decided to discontinue the training and return to the home base at Letnan Kolonel Wisnu Airfield in Buleleng, Bali.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
During the return flight, while climbing through 500 feet above mean sea level, the instructor noticed the engine oil pressure dropping below the green band. At 700 feet, the engine lost power. The instructor contacted Blimbingsari Air Traffic Services, informing them of the situation and the intention to perform a forced landing. The aircraft subsequently landed in a rice field approximately 2.4 kilometers southwest of Blimbingsari Aerodrome. The aircraft came to rest in an inverted position. The instructor and two student pilots evacuated the aircraft; the instructor and one student sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged.
Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) investigated the accident. Examination of the engine revealed that the coating on cylinder #2 had de-laminated. This de-lamination disturbed the flow of heat transfer from the cylinder, leading to excessive heat generation. The engine teardown also showed blistering and cracking near the bottom dead centre of the cylinder.
Probable Cause
The NTSC determined that the engine failure was caused by the cylinder head coating de-lamination, which disturbed the flow of heat transfer and later produced excessive heat.