Event Description
The airplane had been flying for approximately three minutes when the pilot heard a slapping sound. This was followed by the windshield becoming covered with oil, a violent shake from the engine, and smoke entering the cockpit. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field. Upon touchdown, the nosewheel contacted the field surface, causing the airplane to nosed over onto its back.
Engine Examination
Post-accident inspection of the engine revealed that the #2 connecting rod was broken at its attachment point on the crankshaft. The crankshaft journal exhibited a black/blue discoloration and had multiple grooves around its surface. The bearing had separated into numerous pieces of varying sizes, also black/blue in color.
Maintenance History
According to the pilot, the engine had been overhauled 224 hours before the accident. Paperwork associated with the overhaul indicated that the engine was being disassembled due to the presence of metal chips in the oil filter and a spun connecting rod bearing on cylinder #3. This overhaul was the first performed on the engine since it was new.