Sequence of Events
About 5 to 10 minutes after takeoff, while climbing through 1,000 to 1,500 feet on a northerly heading with the landing gear retracted, a passenger—who is an A&P mechanic—first noted that the oil pressure dropped to zero and then returned to the green arc. At that time, the airplane was abeam the point where it eventually crashed. The pilot noted the oil pressure fluctuation and began orbiting the area. Shortly after, a loud sound was heard from the engine. While descending with the landing gear extended, the airplane descended into a man-made pond, right wing low. The airplane then cartwheeled and sank in about 17 to 20 feet of water.
Occupant Outcome
The passenger exited the airplane out the main cabin door. The pilot did not escape and was rescued about 12 minutes later but died in a hospital days after the accident.
Engine Examination
The airplane was recovered and an examination of the engine revealed that the No. 3 cylinder connecting rod and piston pin end plugs failed due to fatigue. Additionally, a particle was found in the oil passage way of the crankshaft for the No. 1 crankpin. The investigation also discovered that the No. 3 and No. 1 cylinder pistons were installed in the opposite cylinders.
Maintenance History
The engine was last inspected in accordance with a 100-hour inspection about 39 hours, and 2 months and 10 days before the accident. The engine was a factory new engine installed on July 21, 1993, in accordance with a Supplemental Type Certificate. Requests were made following the accident to examine the maintenance records, but they were not provided. Copies of the maintenance records were first provided to the National Transportation Safety Board 1 year and 11 months after the accident by the engine manufacturer, who obtained them from an attorney related to the case.