What happened
At approximately 1500 feet above mean sea level (M.S.L.), the aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot initiated an emergency landing procedure, selecting a gravel bar as the landing site. Upon touchdown and during the subsequent rollout phase, the airplane struck a gravel bank, resulting in significant structural damage to the airframe.
The investigation
Following the accident, an on-site examination of the aircraft's engine was conducted to determine the cause of the power loss. Inspectors identified a distinct hole in the engine case located adjacent to the left exhaust manifold. Additionally, three or four smaller holes were observed on the top surface of the engine block.
Due to the severity of the crash and the location of the wreckage, the engine was not recovered from the site for further laboratory analysis. The physical evidence found at the accident scene indicated catastrophic internal failure, though the specific mechanical root cause could not be definitively isolated without recovery of the component.
Findings
The investigation highlighted several critical factors contributing to the outcome:
- Complete engine failure occurred while the aircraft was in flight at low altitude.
- The emergency landing site was a gravel bar, which presented specific surface hazards during rollout.
- Collision with a gravel bank occurred during the deceleration phase of the landing.
- Physical evidence suggested internal engine damage, specifically perforations near the exhaust manifold and on the engine top case.
The inability to recover the engine limited the depth of the mechanical analysis. However, the presence of multiple holes in the engine casing suggests a severe internal malfunction that led to the immediate loss of thrust.