# NTSB MKC85LA171: Bellanca 17-31A, N6598V, Cozad, NE, July 28, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 28, 1985, 10:06 local (15:06 UTC)
- Place: Cozad, NE
- Coordinates: 40.859195, -99.980987 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8592&lon=-99.9810&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33999
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA171
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33999/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA171

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, descent - normal
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - failure,total (cause)
  - engine assembly,crankcase - overload
  - fluid,oil - leak (contributing factor)
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - other (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING A DESCENT TO LAND AT KEARNEY, NE, THE ENG LOST POWER & OIL OOZED OUT OF THE COWLING & COVERED MOST OF THE WINDSHIELD. DURING A FORCED LANDING APCH, HE RELEASED HIS SEAT BELT SO HE COULD SEE THRU A SMALL SECTION OF THE WINDSHIELD. AT ABOUT 100 FT AGL, THE PLT NOTED POWER LINES DIRECTLY AHEAD. HE DOVE THE ACFT TO AVOID THE POWER LINES. THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN HARD, BOUNCED & CAME TO REST IN A SOYBEAN FIELD ABOUT 200 FT BEYOND THE INITIAL IMPACT POINT. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT A #2 CONNECTING ROD BOLT & THE RESPECTIVE ROD CAP HAD FAILED. THE #2 ROD HAD THEN PUNCTURED THE ENG CASE WHICH ALLOWED ENG OIL TO ESCAPE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6598V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6598V-2013-04-30), registration cancelled 2013-04-30, S/N 32-31, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 17-31A
- Registry model: [Bellanca 17-31A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-17-31a) (registry code 1220435) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-31
- Airframe hours: 1164
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540 290 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dr. Omer R. Nunley
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 15, 1985, 40 hours before
- Departed: SPF, SPEARFISH, SD
- Destination: EAR, KEARNEY, NE
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 30 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 18 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BBW

## 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 19850728038559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850728038559A), Jul 28, 1985: Blanca 1731A, Cozad, NE, Substantial damage. Emergency landing after engine failed. Nr 2 connecting rod cap and rod bolt failed. Nut of other rod bolt torn off.

## Other investigations on N6598V (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 MIA72FKG91](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA72FKG91), Apr 21, 1972: Bellanca 17-31A (N6598V), Madison, GA, 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.

---
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.