Accident Overview
During the initial climbout phase of flight, as the aircraft ascended through approximately 200 feet above ground level, the powerplant experienced a complete failure. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing in a plowed field, which resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the engine was conducted. The inspection revealed that the No. 1 piston had broken up and was nearly pulverized by internal impacts. The remaining pistons were found to be intact. Further analysis using dye penetrant inspection identified fracture development in the casting split line of the No. 2 piston. This fracture was described as identical to the fracture location observed on the No. 1 piston.
Findings
No other abnormalities were noted in the engine or other aircraft systems during the examination. The forced landing was executed without further incident, and the aircraft sustained structural damage consistent with an off-airport landing in a cultivated field.