FTW99LA052

About 15-minutes after takeoff, the pilot of the single engine airplane felt slight vibrations and a 'noise' which became increasingly louder. The engine then lost power and the pilot maneuvered over hilly terrain toward an open field. Approaching the field and in a rapid descent, the airplane struck power lines. After striking the lines, the pilot managed to land the airplane in the field, and the nose gear collapsed structurally damaging the airplane. An examination and disassembly of the engine revealed that the crankcase was penetrated. The #5 piston was separated in the piston boss area and the skirt was shattered. The piston pin was intact and attached to a short section of the #5 connecting rod. The #5 connecting rod was found fractured in two places along its length, with the center section of rod missing. The camshaft had numerous impact marks and was found separated into three parts.

On December 16, 1998, approximately 1130 central standard time, a Cessna 182 airplane, N1933N, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while climbing in the vicinity of Umpire, Arkansas. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 ferry flight. The flight originated from Mena, Arkansas, at 1100, and was en route to Lafayette, Louisiana. The airplane was owned by Manuel Investments Inc., of Lafayette, Louisiana.

According to the owner, the airplane had been at the Goodner Brothers Paint Shop, Mena, Arkansas, for complete exterior painting. After the work was completed, the pilot was hired to ferry the airplane to Lafayette.

During a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that, about 15-minutes after takeoff from the Mena Airport, he felt slight vibrations and a "noise" which became increasingly louder. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power and the pilot attempted to turn back to the airport. Realizing that he would not be able to make it back to the airport, he maneuvered the airplane over wooded, hilly terrain toward an open field. Approaching the field and in a rapid descent, the airplane struck power lines with the nose landing gear. After striking the power lines, the pilot managed to land the airplane in the field. Upon landing, the nose landing gear collapsed, resulting in the forward fuselage and firewall buckling.

An FAA airworthiness inspector conducted a preliminary examination of the wreckage at the accident site. During the examination, a hole, located above and between the #5 and #6 cylinders, was found in the engine crankcase. The penetration did not appear to be consistent with impact damage, as no other damage was noted on the crankcase. Usable fuel was found in both wing tanks. After discovery of the hole in the crankcase, the airframe and engine were transported to Dawson Aircraft, Clinton, Arkansas, for further examination.

The engine examination was conducted on March 18, 1999. It was supervised by the FAA airworthiness inspector, and attended by the owner's representative and a representative from Teledyne Continental Motors. The following information on the examination was provided to the NTSB by the FAA inspector. Externally, with the exception of the aforementioned crankcase penetration, the engine was essentially intact. The penetration appeared to be from the inside of the crankcase, outward. Disassembly of the cylinders and crankcase revealed the following. Cylinders #1, #2, #3, and #4 were not damaged. Moderate scoring was noted in their respective barrels, and moderate combustion deposits were noted on their pistons' domes. Their rings were essentially intact and coated with oil. The rocker arm areas were coated with oil. The barrel of the #6 cylinder could not be examined. The #6 piston could not be removed from the cylinder, and exhibited impact damage on its skirt.

The #5 cylinder displayed heavy impact damage around the skirt, moderate scoring in the barrel, and moderate deposits on the piston dome. The #5 piston boss was separated from the piston and the piston skirt was shattered. The piston pin was intact and attached to a short section of the #5 connecting rod.

Connecting rods #1, #2, #3, #4, and #6 were not damaged, and were free to rotate about their crankpins. Connecting rod #5 was found fractured in two places along its length, with the center section of rod missing. One end of the rod was connected to the crankshaft, and the other end was connected to the piston pin. The camshaft had numerous impact marks and was found separated into three parts. The camshaft lobes had moderate scoring and were coated with oil.

The oil pump was intact and free to rotate. No metal particles were found in the pump. The oil cooler was not damaged and was full of oil. Both magnetos sparked at all terminals when rotated by hand. All spark plugs exhibited light wear, with moderate deposits on the electrodes.

Attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) from the operator were not successful.