What happened
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot experienced an unexpected engine failure. Unable to maintain altitude or reach a suitable airfield, the pilot elected to execute a forced landing on a nearby freeway. During the touchdown and rollout, the aircraft collided with two vehicles traveling on the roadway.
The investigation
A post-accident inspection of the wreckage revealed that the engine oil line had ruptured. This rupture led to complete oil exhaustion, which caused the engine failure. Further examination indicated that the oil line had not been replaced during a previous engine change. The component was original equipment dating from 1964.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the rupture of an aging oil line. The use of original equipment parts beyond their service life contributed to the mechanical failure. The subsequent oil exhaustion resulted in total engine power loss, necessitating the emergency landing on a public highway.