Incident Details
A training flight was progressing normally when a loss of engine power occurred, compelling the student pilot and instructor to conduct a forced landing in a plowed field short of their destination airport. The landing resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Engine Examination
An inspection of the engine revealed that the No. 1 cylinder rod cap bolt had failed. The bolt did not show any pre-existing cracks. At the time of the failure, the engine had accumulated 2,554 hours of operation. The engine had last been examined 32 hours prior during its annual inspection.
Maintenance History
The manufacturer's recommended time between overhaul (TBO) for the engine had been exceeded by 554 hours, as the engine had not been overhauled since reaching the TBO limit.