# NTSB ERA09LA146: Cessna 152, N6566P, Wauchula, FL, January 18, 2009

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 18, 2009, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Wauchula, FL
- Coordinates: 27.514722, -81.880279 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.5147&lon=-81.8803&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Enroute-change of cruise level: Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 11, 2009
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: Lycoming, FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 73293
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA09LA146
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/73293/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA146

## Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to failure of the Number 3 connecting rod due to oil contamination. Contributing to the accident was the insufficient oil change time intervals performed by company personnel.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Terrain: rough terrain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cessna 152, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015/cases.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 442 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015/cases.md)
- [Engine (reciprocating): recip eng front section](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058510): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Failure (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058510/cases.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058510/cases.md)
- [Maintenance/inspections](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01010500): Aircraft › Aircraft handling/service · Incorrect service/maintenance (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01010500/cases.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 103 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01010500/cases.md)
- [Maintenance: scheduled/routine maintenance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062010): Personnel issues › Task performance · Maintenance personnel (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062010/cases.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 320 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062010/cases.md)
- [Fluids: oil](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071020): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Incorrect service/maintenance (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071020/cases.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 174 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071020/cases.md)
- [Fluids: oil](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071020): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071020/cases.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 174 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071020/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Enroute-change of cruise level: Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340/sequence.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340/sequence.md)
- [Enroute-change of cruise level: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 30 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md)
- [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 35 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md)
- [Landing-landing roll: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 37 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot was climbing to 7,500 feet mean sea level when the engine started vibrating. The engine temperature increased and the engine stopped. The pilot realized that he could not make an airport and made a forced landing to a phosphate field. Examination of the engine revealed that it contained 6 quarts of dark black oil. The oil filter was removed and contained metallic contamination. Disassembly of the engine revealed dirt particle embedment on the Numbers 1 and 2 cylinder connecting rod bearings. The Number 3 connecting rod bearing was found disconnected from the crankshaft, with only small steel fragments remaining. The No. 3 connecting rod cap and associated broken rod bolts displayed overload signatures. The Number 4 connecting rod remained attached to the crankshaft and displayed heavy heat damage consistent with oil starvation. The operator reported that its maintenance personnel were performing oil changes during the 100-hour inspections. Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin 480E states that engines with a full-flow filtration system are required to have the oil changed at 50-hour intervals.

## Factual narrative

On January 18, 2009, at 1400 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N6566P, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Wauchula, Florida, after experiencing a total loss of engine power. The certificated private pilot and the passenger reported no injuries. The airplane was registered to J.A. Mega Aircraft LLC, and operated by Dean International Inc., as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Brooksville, Florida, about 1315. The pilot stated he was climbing from 7,200 feet to 7,500 feet mean sea level, utilizing flight following with air traffic control (ATC). The engine started vibrating, the engine temperature was high, and the engine shut down. The pilot called ATC, reported the situation, and squawked the emergency code on the transponder. Air Traffic Control informed the pilot the nearest airport was located 10 miles from his position. The pilot realized he would not make the airport and made a forced landing to a phosphate field. The nose landing gear collided with a small grassy hill during landing roll out, and the airplane nosed over. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector and a representative from the engine manufacturer examined the engine assembly on February 3, 2009, at a local salvage company. The engine did not display any outward indication of a mechanical malfunction. High heat paint discoloration was present on the cylinder heads. The engine crankshaft was seized and would not rotate. Partial disassembly of the engine revealed about 6 quarts of dark black oil was present in the engine. The oil filter was removed, opened, and contained metallic contamination. Further examination of the engine revealed evidence of dirt particle embedment on the No. 1 and No. 2 cylinder connecting rod bearings (P/N AEL69373M006). The No. 3 connecting rod bearing was destroyed, with only small steel fragments remained as the connecting rod was found disconnected from the crankshaft. The separated No. 3-rod cap sustained secondary mechanical damage. The associated broken rod bolts (P/N SL78027G) of the No. 3 connecting rod assembly were retrieved and displayed overload signatures. The No. 4 connecting rod remained attached and displayed heavy heat damage consistent with oil starvation. Review of the maintenance logbooks revealed the engine was field-overhauled on March 18, 2008, and had accumulated 822 hours since the field-overhaul. Review of maintenance records revealed the operator performed regular 100-hour inspections. However, the maintenance records do not indicate the frequency of the oil changes. A representative of the operator stated oil changes are accomplished at the 100-hour inspection interval. Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 480E states in Section I. C, that engines equipped with a full-flow filtration system requires the oil to be changed at 50-hour intervals.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6566P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6566P), registered now, S/N 15285034 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15285034
- Airframe hours: 7906
- Engines: Lycoming O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dean International Inc.
- Registered owner: J.A. Megna Aircraft LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, December 8, 2008, 53 hours before
- Departed: BKV, Brooksville, FL
- Destination: TMB, Miami, FL
- Flight plan: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review September 30, 2008; seat: left; flight hours: 270 total, 245 in this make and model, 220 as pilot in command, 220 in the last 90 days, 150 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 30.07 inHg
- Observed at: BOW, 26 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20090118000579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090118000579A), Jan 18, 2009: Cessna 152, Wachula, FL, Substantial damage. Cessna, 152, N6566P, experianced an engine failure during climb out, climbing through 7200’. Pilot made an emergency landing off airport. During roll out the…

## Other investigations on N6566P (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB CHI83LA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA254), Jun 13, 1983: Cessna 152 (N6566P), Milwaukee, WI, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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