What happened
During the final approach phase of flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power. According to the pilot's account, the situation became critical as the aircraft was positioned too low and traveling at insufficient airspeed to successfully reach the runway threshold. Despite these adverse conditions, the pilot managed to execute a controlled emergency landing on the available surface.
However, the landing did not conclude without incident. During the subsequent ground roll, the aircraft veered off the paved surface and struck a ditch. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse, resulting in the aircraft nosing over onto its fuselage.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the airframe and propulsion system was conducted to determine the root cause of the power loss. Investigators focused on the engine's internal components to identify any mechanical anomalies that could explain the sudden failure during flight.
The inspection revealed a catastrophic structural failure within the engine block. Specifically, the #3 piston had failed completely. This mechanical breakdown was identified as the direct cause of the engine stopping mid-flight, leaving the aircraft without propulsion during the critical final approach segment.