Incident Details
During the initial climb after takeoff, the aircraft experienced an engine failure at an altitude of 1,200 feet. The propeller stopped rotating and assumed a horizontal position. The pilot executed a forced landing, during which the aircraft nosed over upon contacting soft dirt.
Engine Examination
The engine had recently been overhauled and was on its first flight since the overhaul. Following the incident, a teardown inspection of the engine was conducted. The examination revealed that the number one cylinder was out of round. Additionally, the bottom of the #1 cylinder was scored in a manner that coincided with scoring observed on the piston skirt.
Conclusion
The investigation did not provide a formal statement of probable cause, but the findings point to a mechanical anomaly involving the cylinder and piston assembly as the reason for the engine failure.