What happened
On the afternoon of 23 May 2001, a Cessna 210C, registered ZS-MLH, departed from Plettenberg Bay on a private flight destined for Stellenbosch. Shortly after reaching the top of the climb, the pilot observed engine malfunctions that progressed into a complete engine failure. The pilot notified George Air Traffic Control before performing a forced landing near the N2 highway, situated between George and Wilderness.
During the descent toward the landing site, the aircraft struck low-lying shrubbery and high-tension wires. The impact eventually brought the aircraft to the ground at an elevation of 650 feet. While the pilot survived with minor injuries, the aircraft sustained extensive damage. The incident also caused significant damage to local infrastructure, including the severing of a power mast and high-tension wires.
The investigation
Investigators examined the engine following the accident to determine the cause of the power loss. Upon dismantling and inspecting the engine, technicians discovered that the unit had been operating at extremely high temperatures. The inspection revealed that the crankshaft journal was in an advanced stage of seizing to the connecting rod.
Further examination of the internal components showed that the bolts for the #2 connecting rod were missing. This mechanical failure allowed the connecting rod to strike the engine crankcase, creating a hole in the component.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was an obstruction in the oil channel of the specific journal, which was either partially or completely blocked.
- This lack of lubrication caused the engine to run excessively hot.
- The resulting thermal stress led to the seizure of the crankshaft journal to the connecting rod.
- The loss of the #2 connecting rod bolts allowed the rod to impact and puncture the crankcase.