Location: Brent, Alabama
Accident Number: ERA22LA071
Date and Time: November 21, 2021, 08:26 Local
Registration: N5779J
Aircraft: Cessna 210
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
On November 21, 2021, about 0826 central standard time, a Cessna 210K airplane, N5779J, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Brent, Alabama. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
During cruise flight about 18 minutes after takeoff from Tuscaloosa Regional Airport (TCL), Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the airplane’s flight system monitor annunciated "check oil pressure, check oil pressure." The pilot checked his instruments and noted that the oil pressure indicated 0 psi. The airplane also experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot declared an emergency, established best glide speed, and navigated toward the closest airport. The airplane was unable to reach the airport, and the pilot selected a road for a forced landing. During the landing, the airplane’s right wing collided with several road signs and then the airplane impacted a ditch and several trees.
Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the main wreckage came to rest in a nose-down attitude in the ditch. Both wings sustained substantial damage and the tail cone exhibited compression wrinkling forward of the vertical stabilizer.
Examination of the engine and airframe revealed oil around the F&M oil adapter fiber gasket seal, in the engine compartment and on the underside of airplane’s fuselage. The F&M oil filter adapter torque was checked using a digital torque wrench. The tightening torque was 38.5 ft-lbs. The loosening torque (breakaway torque) was 34.0 ft-lbs. Per the Stratus Tools Technologies mandatory service bulletin SB001, the oil adapter transfer cylinder was to be installed at 65 ft-lbs. Additionally, upon removal of the oil filter adapter, it was noted that the fiber gasket located between the airplane’s engine oil pump assembly and the oil filter adapter was damaged.
The airplane was equipped with a JPI EDM-830 engine data monitor, which was retained for further examination.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N5779J
Model/Series: 210 K
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: TCL, 186 ft msl
Observation Time: 07:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 25 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 11°C /7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 3200 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.27 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Tuscaloosa, AL (TCL)
Destination: Baker, FL (18FD)
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 32.8566,-87.3747 (est)
