Incident Overview
On the first flight following an annual inspection, the pilot of a Beech B24R was returning the aircraft to its home base. Shortly after departure, the pilot noted that the engine was not developing normal RPM and decided to return to the maintenance facility. However, the engine soon seized. The pilot executed a wheels-up landing on uneven grassy terrain, resulting in damage to the aircraft.
Investigation Findings
An investigation into the incident revealed that an oil line, which had been removed for maintenance, was loose. This allowed engine oil to be pumped overboard, leading to a loss of lubrication and subsequent engine seizure.
Outcome
The aircraft sustained damage during the forced landing. No injuries were reported.