Event Details
During a daytime takeoff, the airplane suffered a complete loss of engine power. The pilot declared an emergency and landed the aircraft on airport property adjacent to the runway overrun. During the landing roll, the nose gear sheared, causing the airplane to nosed over to an inverted position.
Engine History and Maintenance Decisions
The engine had been running roughly and exhibited a history of high vibrations. Technical assistance from the manufacturer had identified an internal problem that was developing vibratory loads. The pilot was fully aware of the manufacturer's analysis but chose to continue operating the airplane without performing engine maintenance.
Investigation Findings
Disassembly of the engine revealed a crankshaft failure with multiple zones of fatigue. The internal mechanical failure was attributed to this crankshaft fatigue. The pilot's decision to operate the aircraft despite known issues and without maintenance was noted in the investigation.