AAIB Report: Reims Cessna FRA150M (G-BDNR), Engine failure due to failure of cylinder retention studs
During a training flight, a Reims Cessna FRA150M (G-BDNR) carried out a forced landing in a field approximately four miles from Retford Gamston Airport, Nottinghamshire, after suffering engine failure, 1 Aug 2022.
On the return leg from a training flight to the Humber Bridge, the number 3 cylinder and piston broke free from the engine, which caused engine failure during the flight. The pilot carried out a forced landing in a field, which resulted in significant damage to the aircraft and minor injuries to the passenger on board.
An examination of the engine crankcase found that the number 3 cylinder’s studs had failed due to crack progression in fatigue. When the studs were replaced during overhaul a number of the studs’ threads stripped before the required torque values could be achieved. This issue was also identified on a number of other engines of this type. Analysis revealed that the nuts used to fasten the cylinders were distorting and stripping the stud threads before reaching the required torque value or, were failing at values just above the required torque.
As a result of these findings, the Type Certificate Holder has introduced a Service Bulletin to replace cylinder base studs during overhaul of the RR O-240 engine and carry out repetitive torque checks following their replacement.
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