Incident Overview
An aircraft experienced an engine failure while in flight, leading to a forced landing in a swamp. The pilot first noticed a lack of oil pressure and rising oil temperature. In response, the load was dumped, and the pilot initiated a return to land. However, the engine began running rough and subsequently seized, forcing the aircraft to land in the swamp.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the engine after the accident identified that the #5 rod bearing had failed due to a lack of lubrication. Additionally, two extra magneto drive cushions were discovered in the bottom of the oil sump, near the oil pickup tube. The engine had accumulated 290 hours of operation since the last recorded magneto maintenance, though it was not determined whether that maintenance involved removal of the magnetos.