Incident Overview
A student pilot and flight instructor were conducting a training flight at Austin Executive Airpark. After completing a normal touch-and-go landing on runway 36, the airplane turned crosswind and began climbing to pattern altitude. During the climb, the engine started surging and the entire airplane shook violently. The flight instructor immediately took control of the airplane and executed a 180-degree turn in an attempt to land downwind on runway 18.
Sequence of Events
During the landing attempt, the airplane overshot runway 18, descended through trees, and came to rest inverted. No further details about the occupants or injuries were provided in the investigation report.
Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the #3 connecting rod bolts were broken, the bolt boss was broken off, and the cap was bent. Additionally, the #3 connecting rod bearings were found destroyed. The investigation did not specify a probable cause for the engine failure.