Accident Details
During cruise flight, the pilot heard a faint knocking sound from the engine compartment. Power was reduced, and the pilot contacted a Flight Service Station. Almost immediately, the engine began to vibrate. The pilot further reduced power, and the aircraft started to descend from 6,500 feet MSL. The windshield became covered with oil, and the cockpit filled with some smoke. The pilot circled a large field and initiated a landing. Upon touchdown, the nose gear and left main gear collapsed. The aircraft then caught fire and burned completely.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the engine after the accident showed that the No. 3 connecting rod had frozen to the crankshaft. The lubricating system appeared to have been functioning normally.
Maintenance History
The last 100-hour inspection was performed on July 1, 1984, at a total aircraft time of 4,139 hours. No logbook entries indicated any previous engine malfunctions. The pilot reported that during preflight, the oil temperature gauge indicated almost in the red, and the oil always appeared extremely black.