Incident Overview
While over the ocean, the pilot detected that the engine did not sound right and observed that the oil pressure indication had dropped to zero. Shortly thereafter, the engine began to vibrate violently and seized.
Forced Landing
The pilot planned a forced landing to an open field due to traffic on highways. The pilot made an intentional wheels-up landing on upsloping terrain, resulting in a hard landing.
Engine Examination
Examination of the engine revealed approximately two handfuls of metal flakes in the oil sump, with the oil pump pickup screen clogged by metal flakes. No metal flakes were found in the engine oil filter. The No. 6 connecting rod had failed and penetrated the engine case.
Findings
The evidence indicated that the engine failure was initiated by the failure of a connecting rod bearing. The engine had been operated 23 hours since the most recent annual inspection.