Forced/precautionary landing involving a Cessna Aircraft Company R172K, VH-WKW, 70km S Canberra, NSW on 12 December 1993

While in cruise the pilot heard a bang, the engine started vibrating and suffered an almost total power loss. The pilot was able to carry out a successful forced landing onto a disused agricultural strip. A bulk strip of the engine found that the #1 cylinder connecting rod bolts had failed. The connecting rod cap had also failed. The engine was severely damaged and further investigation was not possible. It is suspected that incorrect torque of the connecting rod bolts could have been a contributing factor to their failure. Significant Factors 1. Engine power was lost when the #1 connecting rod detached.