Event Description
During a return flight with a pilot and two passengers, the engine lost power while in cruise. According to the pilot, the engine began running rough approximately one hour and ten minutes into the flight. The pilot radioed Richmond Approach Control and was advised his position was 21 miles from the destination. He attempted to reach Chesterfield Airport, about 10 miles away, but the engine seized with a loud clanking sound. A forced landing was executed in a wheat field approximately half a mile from Chesterfield. During the landing, the right main landing gear separated.
Engine Examination
Following the incident, an examination of the engine revealed a broken crankshaft. The crankshaft was removed and sent to the NTSB laboratory in Washington, DC, for further analysis.
Investigation Findings
Metallurgical examination of the crankshaft determined that the failure resulted from a fatigue crack that had initiated on the surface of the aft radius of the #1 journal. No other contributing factors were identified.