Accident
During cruise flight at 2000 feet above ground level, the airplane's engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field located approximately 5 miles east of the intended airport. Upon rollout, the landing gear struck a line of bushes and subsequently collapsed.
Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the number one cylinder had broken off in the flange radius. This failure resulted in the number one piston failing at the wrist pin. Investigators noted that no evidence of fatigue was found on the cylinder fracture surfaces.
Sequence of Events
The power loss occurred unexpectedly during cruise. The pilot maneuvered the airplane to a suitable field for an emergency landing. During the landing rollout, the landing gear encountered bushes, causing it to collapse. The aircraft sustained damage from the gear collapse and the off-airport landing.