Forced Landing After Engine Failure During Climb (N81562)

Incident Overview and Immediate Actions Before departure, the pilot completed a preflight inspection and an engine run-up without noting any discrepancies. After takeoff, while climbing through 5,500 feet, the engine stopped. The pilot attempted a restart and observed that the oil pressure was zero. The engine stopped again, and the pilot was unable to restart it. The pilot then made a forced landing in a field, during which the aircraft collided with a tree. ## Examination Findings Examination of the aircraft revealed oil coating the bottom of the fuselage, while the engine compartment was not contaminated. The engine was removed and examined. The No. 1, 2, 5, and 6 pistons had scored the cylinder walls, while the No. 3 and 4 pistons were normal. Because of the damage, dimensional analysis of the failed pistons and cylinders could not be performed. The engine-driven oil pump was examined and found to be free of failure or malfunction. ## Determination and Service History No determination could be made as to the reasons for the loss of engine oil, which resulted in total loss of engine power due to seizure of the No. 1, 2, 5, and 6 pistons in the cylinders. The aircraft and engine had accumulated 16.1 hours since manufacture.