Accident Overview
Approximately 5 to 6 minutes after takeoff, while climbing to cruise altitude, the engine failed. The pilot executed a forced landing on an ice flow. At the time, the aircraft was being repositioned by a Part 135 operator under Part 91 operating rules.
Engine Failure
The engine failure was traced to a spun crankshaft bearing. This bearing had shifted, blocking the oil hole to the No. 2 cylinder connecting rod, leading to catastrophic failure of that rod.
Cause
Investigators determined that the spun bearing most likely resulted from either a loss of torque or insufficient torque being applied to the crankcase through the stud bolts.