Incident Overview
A pilot noticed an oil streak along the side of the airplane before departing on a night flight over hilly terrain. After checking the oil level, the pilot departed. During cruise flight, the pilot reported "motor troubles" to approach control and was given vectors to the closest airport.
Attempt to Land at Unlit Airport
The airport had no runway lighting. The pilot was able to maintain partial power for approximately 14 minutes. During this time, the air traffic controller attempted to turn on the runway lights at the closest airport but was unsuccessful. The controller was unaware that the lights were out of service. As the pilot approached the airport, he reported "it's dead." Despite guidance from ATC and another aircraft in the vicinity, the pilot was unable to land at the unlit airport.
Impact and Wreckage Examination
The airplane impacted terrain and was destroyed. An examination of the engine revealed that the No. 1 cylinder had separated from the engine crankcase in flight. A metallurgical examination showed evidence of fretting damage on the attachment flange and fatigue failure of the attaching through bolts and hold-down studs.
Findings
The separation of the cylinder and the associated fatigue failure were identified through post-accident examination. No further analysis or conclusions were provided in the source material.