N565ML

On November 25, 1998, about 1525 Eastern Standard Time, a Cessna 175, N565ML, collided with the ground in a cow pasture while attempting an emergency landing following an engine failure in Locust Grove, Georgia. The airplane was operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot and sole occupant sustained minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Origination of the flight was Mallards Landing in Locust Grove, Georgia, at 1500.

According to the pilot, while flying at cruise, the engine lost power over a 10 to 15 second period. There was no sputtering or shaking associated with the loss of power. Lining up with the contours of the pasture, the pilot attempted an emergency landing. After touchdown the airplane nosed over inverted.

Examination of the engine disclosed a gear train failure in the accessory gearbox, which prevented the camshaft from actuating the valves, and allowed only one magneto drive to rotate when the propeller was turned. According to the FAA Inspector who examined the airplane, the engine was not disassembled for further examination. Review of the maintenance records found that the engine was last overhauled on December 6, 1984.