Accident Overview
Following departure and after climbing through 4,000 feet, the engine experienced a failure. The pilot conducted a forced landing in a soft open field. As the aircraft rolled out during the landing, the nose gear became embedded in the dirt, resulting in the aircraft nosing over.
Engine Examination
Subsequent examination of the engine disclosed that a bearing had shifted on its journal. This shift blocked the oil lubrication passage, which in turn led to the separation of the connecting rod. The connecting rod separation caused the subsequent engine failure.
Sequence of Events
The engine failure occurred shortly after departure, after the aircraft had climbed through 4,000 feet. The pilot executed a forced landing in a soft, open field. During the landing rollout, the nose gear dug into the dirt, causing the aircraft to nose over.
Findings
Examination of the engine determined that the bearing shifted on the journal, blocking the oil lubrication passage. This blockage resulted in separation of the connecting rod and subsequent engine failure.