Engine Failure and Emergency Landing
During cruise at an altitude of 8,500 feet MSL, the aircraft's engine stopped operating. The pilot executed a night emergency landing at an airport that the aircraft had just flown over. On final approach, the pilot experienced difficulty seeing through the windshield due to an accumulation of oil on its surface.
Landing Gear Extension
The pilot delayed lowering the landing gear until a landing on the runway was assured. After crossing a road located in front of the runway, the pilot initiated gear extension. However, there was insufficient time for the right main landing gear and the nose gear to lock into the down position before touchdown.
Touchdown
The aircraft touched down 366 feet beyond the runway threshold.
Engine Examination
An engine teardown and metallurgical examination revealed that the #4 connecting rod had failed due to fatigue. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination of the origin area showed a single fatigue initiation site at a change in contour on the flange end. This irregular contour was not present on the other three flange ends. Additionally, oxide inclusions and forging defects were found along the original rod surface.