Accident Description
The pilot completed spraying a field, initiated a climb, and switched off the spray pump. Immediately, the engine lost oil pressure and emitted a loud noise. Smoke emerged from the cowling, and engine power decreased at an altitude of approximately 50 feet above the ground. The pilot executed a forced landing into a cotton field. During the landing roll, the airplane traversed small trees and brush, ultimately stopping across a ditch.
Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine identified lubrication distress affecting the number 2 connecting rod bearing and journal. The number 2 connecting rod received oil supply from the number 2 main bearing. The number 2 main bearing had shifted within the crankcase bearing saddle, which restricted the oil feed to the number 2 connecting rod. As a consequence, the number 2 connecting rod failed.