Engine Failure During Cross-Country Flight Leads to Forced Landing and Tree Strike (N55GV)

Sequence of Events

The pilot and passenger were on the second leg of a cross-country flight. Approximately thirty minutes into the flight, a vibration began. This was followed by oil seeping from the engine cowling. A few seconds later, the engine failed and oil covered the airplane's windshield. The pilot performed a forced landing to an open field. Due to the oil, the pilot had no forward visibility. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane before it struck trees at the end of the field.

Examination Findings

Examination revealed that the number two cylinder had separated from the engine. Seven of the eight cylinder studs had sheared. The stud that had not sheared was intact and undamaged. An upper stud was rusted partially across, with the remainder of the stud sheared cleanly. The engine had been overhauled 362 tach hours before the failure by a local engine overhaul facility.