Accident Overview
An aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff. The pilot executed a forced landing on a levee, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage.
Engine Examination
Post-accident investigation identified a fatigue failure of the crankshaft at the #3 main bearing journal on the Lycoming O-235-L2C engine. The nature of the failure indicated that the #3 bearing had spun; however, the reasons for the bearing spinning could not be determined.
History of Propeller Strikes
Records show that the airplane had been involved in two separate propeller strike incidents prior to the accident. The engine was not overhauled after either of these events. Lycoming Service Letter L163C recommends removal, disassembly, and inspection of the engine following propeller strikes to detect potential damage.
Conclusion
The investigation concluded that the engine failure was due to a fatigue failure of the crankshaft at the #3 main bearing journal, with the #3 bearing having spun for undetermined reasons. The history of unremedied propeller strikes may have contributed to the condition, but the causal link was not established in the report.