19990327002699A

(.19) On March 27, 1999, about 2112 eastern standard time, a Cessna 177RG, N177AR, was substantially damaged during a forced landing in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR part 91. The pilot stated that he had departed from the reading regional airport, reading, Pennsylvania, for a cross country flight to ocean city, new jersey. During the climb, passing through 5,000 feet, the engine started to shake violently and lost power. The pilot was in contact with philadelphia TRACON, and advised them of an engine failure. The controller told the pilot that Pottstown Municipal Airport (N47), was located 5 miles southwest. The pilot turned towards the airport and began a decent. About 1 mile from the airport the pilot decided that he would not be able to make the runway and maneuvered for a forced landing. The airplane touched down on a two lane highway and struck an overpass with the left wing. The airplane rotated 180 degrees, coming to rest upright in a ditch. An inspection of the wreckage by the federal aviation administration revealed the number 1 cylinder had separated from the engine and was lodged in the cowling. The engine had a total time of 1,700 hours and was retained for further examination. The winds reported at a nearby station, at 2054 were, 020 degrees at 8 knots. (.4) during a climb, the engine started to shake violently and lost power. A forced landing was made to a two-lane highway. Inspection of the wreckage revealed the number 2 cylinder had separated from the engine. Examination of the engine revealed sealant applied to the upper portion of the crankcase. The top crankcase fasteners were tested for torque, and began to turn before the specified 96-inch pounds recommended by the manufacturer. When the crankcase was split open, fretting to the parting surfaces was observed. The center main bearing exhibited signs of movement and fretting on the bearing saddle. Fretting was also found on the number 2 and 3 cylinder flanges and corresponding crankcase decks. The engine was last overhauled on July 14, 1994. The engine had accumulated a total time of 1285 hours since the overhaul. The top parting surface of the crankcase was resealed on February 7, 1997, November 20, 1998, and March 17,1999.the last noted entry for tightening the crankcase bolts was on June 19, 1998. The number 2 and number 3 cylinder were last removed and replaced on April 2, 1997, by an overhaul facility.