Cessna 210D N3973Y accident near Babylon, New York

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to the failure of the oil filter gasket and the subsequent engine oil depletion.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, the engine began running rough approximately 1 hour into the flight. Shortly thereafter, all engine power was lost, and the pilot executed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane collided with a walkway railing, substantially damaging the left wing. Examination of the engine revealed that it lost power due to oil starvation. Signatures within the internal components were consistent with engine operation after a depleted oil supply. Further examination revealed that the gasket between the oil filter adapter and the pump was torn, likely allowing oil to leak from this junction. Oil leak signatures including oil staining on the bottom of the engine were identified during the postaccident investigation. No determination could be made regarding how long the gasket had been in place.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10LA335 for the full record.