# NTSB IAD03LA010: Cessna 152, N49422, Springfield, OH, October 27, 2002 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 27, 2002, 10:10 local (15:10 UTC) - Place: Springfield, OH - Coordinates: 39.840831, -83.839447 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.8408&lon=-83.8394&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report February 5, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Cessna Aircraft Company, Lycoming Engines, FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 56074 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=IAD03LA010 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/56074/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD03LA010 ## Probable cause Inadequate installation of the number 3 cylinder. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - engine assembly,rocker arm/tappet - loose part/bolt/nut/clamp/etc - maintenance,installation - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing - terrain condition - open field ## Analysis The airplane had undergone a 100-hour inspection during which the number 3 cylinder was replaced. During the first flight after maintenance was performed, while en route to the destination airport, the airplane experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot prepared for a precautionary landing at a nearby airport; however, while en route to the airport, the pilot realized he would not be able to make it to the runway, and performed a forced landing on a football field. Examination of the engine by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed the number 3 cylinder exhaust rocker arm set screw had backed out and the jam nut was observed lying in the rocker cover. Additionally, the "1102" plug was missing from the intake port of the number three cylinder. A measurement was taken of the tappet clearance (between the rocker foot and the valve stem tip) and noted to be .300 inch. According to published Lycoming Service Instructions, the tappet clearance should have been .006 to .012 inch. ## Factual narrative On October 27, 2002, at 1010 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N49422, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, following a loss of power, in Springfield, Ohio. The certificated private pilot was seriously injured, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. No flight plan was filed for the flight, between Moraine Airpark (I73), Dayton, Ohio, and Port Bucyrus-Crawford County Airport (17G), Bucyrus, Ohio. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, the airplane had just undergone a 100-hour inspection during which the number 3 cylinder was replaced. He performed a preflight inspection prior to his departure and observed no anomalies with the airplane. While en route to Bucyrus, the airplane was at an altitude of 2,000 feet, in the vicinity of Springfield, Ohio, when the pilot noticed that a small amount of pressure was required on the yoke to maintain level flight. The pilot believed he was experiencing a partial loss of power, and applied carburetor heat and enriched the mixture. The pilot was still unable to maintain level flight. The pilot decided to make a precautionary landing at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport (SGH), Springfield, Ohio, and was cleared to land. About 4 miles northeast of the airport, he realized he would not be able to make it to the runway, and prepared for a forced landing to a football field. The airplane touched down on the 27 yard line, the landing gear sheared off, and the airplane came to rest on the 2 yard line. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to both wings, and the fuselage and empennage sections. Examination of the engine by the FAA inspector revealed the number 3 cylinder exhaust rocker arm set screw had backed out and the jam nut was observed lying in the rocker cover. Additionally, the "1102" plug was missing from the intake port of the number three cylinder. A measurement was taken of the tappet clearance (between the rocker foot and the valve stem tip) and noted to be .300 inch. According to published Lycoming Service Instructions, the tappet clearance should have been .006 to .012 inch. Examination of the engine logbook revealed an entry for a 100-hour inspection, dated October 26, 2002. The entry stated, "...Replaced #3 cylinder with serviceable unit using new rings and gaskets. Ground run and check for ops and leaks. All OK..." The mechanic who performed the inspection stated that the cylinder was replaced due to an exhaust valve leak. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N49422](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N49422-2005-03-11), registration cancelled 2005-03-11, S/N 15281253, built 1978 (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: 15281253 - Airframe hours: 6037 - Engines: Lycoming O-235 110 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: William Bohrer - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, October 26, 2002, 0.5 hours before - Departed: I73, Moraine, OH - Destination: 17G, Bucyrus, OH - Airport: SGH, Springfield-Beckley Muncipal ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 55; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review August 27, 2001; seat: left; flight hours: 902 total, 164 in this make and model, 566 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 320° at 5 knots - Visibility: 3 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast - Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 46 °F - Altimeter: 30.23 inHg - Observed at: FFO, 10 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 20021027037979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20021027037979A), Oct 27, 2002: Cessna 152, Springfield, OH, Destroyed. (-23) On October 27, 2002, at 1010 EST, a Cessna 152, N49422, registered to lads air ltd, made an emergency landing due to the loss of engine power while on a… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.