Accident Overview
While flying straight and level at 3,100 feet MSL over Virginia Route 66 and Route 245, the engine began to vibrate severely. The pilot feared the engine might separate from the airframe and selected a field for a forced landing.
Approach and Field Selection
On final approach, the pilot determined the chosen field was unsuitable for landing. Power was applied and a 180-degree turn was executed toward an alternate field. According to the pilot, airspeed was too high to stop within the second field, prompting a right turn of about 45 degrees toward a narrow break in a tree line.
Impact and Final Position
The aircraft severed three small trees, nosed over, and rotated to a stop, coming to rest in an upright position.
Post-Accident Findings
According to the pilot, an engine mount joint was cracked in the weld itself. Most of the fracture surfaces appeared as if a crack existed prior to the accident flight.