Accident Overview
During a normal cruise flight at an altitude of 6,000 feet, the pilot reported hearing a loud bang. Simultaneously, the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot declared a Mayday and executed a forced landing in an area of small pine trees.
Forced Landing
Upon hearing the bang and losing power, the pilot immediately declared a Mayday. The forced landing was successfully completed in small pine trees.
Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine revealed that cylinder #2's connecting rod had become disconnected from the crankshaft. This disconnection subsequently punctured the crankcase. Further examination of the connecting rod bolts indicated that one bolt had failed due to tensile overstress. The bolts had been replaced during a major overhaul 1,460 hours prior to the accident.