Accident Summary
During flight, the pilot noticed that the engine RPM was high. He attempted to control the RPM using the propeller control but was unsuccessful. He then reduced the throttle setting, but shortly thereafter, the engine began running rough accompanied by severe vibration. The pilot selected a field for an emergency landing but was unable to reach it. Subsequently, the aircraft impacted at the top of an embankment and was extensively damaged.
Investigation Findings
During the investigation, fresh oil was found on the exterior bottom of the fuselage, spanning from the area of the firewall to the tail. The oil pressure indicator hose was discovered to have been broken off at the firewall on the engine side. Additionally, a large hole was found in the crankcase where the #2 connecting rod had failed.