Engine Failure Leads to Aircraft Capsizing During Emergency Landing in Austria

Casualties unknown • im Gemeindegebiet von Stratzing, Gemeinde Stratzing, Niederösterreich, AT

A Cessna C 172N experienced a total loss of engine power during the climb phase, resulting in an emergency landing and aircraft overturn in a field near Stratzing.

What happened

On June 17, 2005, a private VFR flight was underway from Krems-Gneixendorf (LOAG) to Wiener Neustadt Ost (LOAN). The pilot had originally intended to fly a different aircraft, a Cessna C 182, but substituted it with the involved Cessna C 172N after discovering a brake issue with the primary aircraft.

After completing standard pre-flight inspections and taxiing to runway 29, the pilot commenced the takeoff roll with 10 degrees of flaps. The aircraft accelerated normally and rotated near the center of the runway. During the initial climb, at an altitude of approximately 300 feet, the pilot began retracting the flaps. At this moment, the engine began to sputter and run roughly. Despite immediate attempts to troubleshoot the engine by checking the throttle, mixture, fuel selector, and oil pressure, the engine suffered a complete loss of power.

Following a PAN PAN urgency call, the pilot attempted two unsuccessful engine restarts. Due to the low altitude, an emergency landing in a nearby field in the municipality of Stratzing was the only option. The pilot attempted to land on the main gear with full elevator back-pressure; however, upon impacting the field, the aircraft overturned, coming to rest on its back with the wings and fuselage in contact with the ground. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries and were able to exit the aircraft independently.

The investigation

The SUB examined the engine components following reports from witnesses who had observed engine misfires after takeoff. The engine was removed from the aircraft and placed on a test stand for evaluation. Investigators opened the housing of the Bendix Dual Magnet ignition system to inspect the timing and the distributor cam.

Findings

  • The investigation established that the fastening screw for the distributor cam, located on the central camshaft, had loosened.
  • The distributor cam is secured to the camshaft via a tapered connection using a screw, a retaining ring, and a washer to maintain a press fit.
  • Due to inadequate thread-locking security, the screw had backed out, causing a loss of pressure on the tapered connection.
  • As a result, the distributor cam was no longer rotating in unison with the camshaft, preventing the ignition contacts from opening and failing to provide the necessary spark to the cylinders.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by the loosening of a fastening screw on the Bendix Dual Magnet ignition system, which led to the loss of the tapered connection between the distributor cam and the camshaft, ultimately resulting in a loss of ignition timing and engine power.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-06-17 Cessna C 172N accident near im Gemeindegebiet von Stratzing, Gemeinde Stratzing, Niederösterreich, AT?

A Cessna C 172N experienced a total loss of engine power during the climb phase, resulting in an emergency landing and aircraft overturn in a field near Stratzing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-06-17 involved a Cessna C 172N, at im Gemeindegebiet von Stratzing, Gemeinde Stratzing, Niederösterreich, AT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by the loosening of a fastening screw on the Bendix Dual Magnet ignition system, which led to the loss of the tapered connection between the distributor cam and the camshaft, ultimately resulting in a loss of ignition timing and engine power.

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