Event
An airplane traveling from Cincinnati, Ohio (LUK) to Torrance, California experienced a complete loss of engine power while approximately 10 miles south of Long Beach Airport (LGB) in Long Beach, California. The pilot attempted to divert and land at LGB, but the aircraft's altitude was too low to reach the runway. The airplane subsequently crashed on a golf course located about one-quarter mile east of the airport.
Investigation
Post-accident examination of the engine disclosed that the No. 2 piston had melted due to extreme high-temperature distress, and the connecting rod had fractured in overload. The engine had been installed at LUK on May 2, 1986, and had accumulated 125 flight hours since installation. A metallurgical examination revealed misalignment of the connecting rod with the piston and cylinder barrel, which contributed to the failure sequence.