Accident Overview
During cruise flight in instrument meteorological conditions, the airplane's engine ceased operation. The pilot executed an emergency descent and received radar vectors directing the airplane toward a nearby airport. Shortly thereafter, the airplane struck the ground approximately one mile east of the airport.
Engine Examination
An examination of the engine after the accident disclosed that the engine oil was contaminated with aluminum flakes. Several internal components were found to be damaged. Specifically, the number 3 piston pin exhibited scoring, and the corresponding cylinder wall was also damaged.
Maintenance History
A review of the aircraft maintenance logs revealed that six flight hours prior to the engine failure, aluminum flakes had been discovered in the engine oil. According to the mechanic who performed the subsequent repair, the piston pin caps for the number 2 and number 4 cylinders were scored. The mechanic flushed the engine to remove the metal flakes and completed repairs on the number 2 and 4 cylinders.