Cessna T210M N1593M accident near Jacksonville, Oregon

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the failure of the No. 6 connecting rod, which resulted from oil starvation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during cruise flight, the engine began running roughly with smoke developing inside the cabin, followed by oil covering the windshield. The pilot stated that the engine continued to run and that his attempts to increase the power setting resulted in severe shaking and more smoke. The pilot initiated a forced landing in a nearby field. During the landing roll, the nosewheel landing gear dug into mud, and the airplane subsequently nosed over.

Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the Nos. 5 and 6 connecting rods were liberated from the crankshaft. The No. 6 connecting rod was thermally discolored and fractured, which was likely caused by oil starvation to the No. 6 connecting rod journal and bearing. The No. 5 connecting rod was also fractured; however, the connecting rod and bearing did not exhibit thermal discoloration or distress; the fracture likely resulted due to damage sustained when the No. 6 connecting rod fractured. The Nos. 1 and 2 connecting rods also exhibited thermal discoloration and distress, which likely resulted from the engine's continued operation after the liberation of the No. 6 connecting rod.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15LA032 for the full record.