What happened
The aircraft was operating when it suffered an abrupt engine failure. The pilot initiated a forced landing procedure, aiming for a large open field to minimize damage and potential injury. During the final approach phase, the aircraft collided with a tree, which interrupted the intended landing sequence.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the airframe and powerplant was conducted to determine the root cause of the mechanical failure. Investigators focused on the engine's internal components, specifically looking for signs of fatigue or improper installation that could lead to catastrophic breakdown.
The inspection revealed that a critical rod cap bolt had failed. This failure initiated the internal destruction of the engine, causing it to cease operation. Further review of the maintenance records showed that this specific bolt was installed as a new part during a major overhaul in May 1984. At the time of the accident, the component had accumulated only 120 hours of total time in service.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the mechanical failure of the engine due to the broken rod cap bolt. The relatively low time-in-service on the replacement part suggests an anomaly in material integrity or installation rather than wear-related fatigue.