Accident Sequence
During cruise flight at an altitude of 4,500 feet, the engine lost partial power. Approximately four minutes later, the engine lost all power. About nine minutes after the initial loss of engine power, the aircraft executed a forced landing. The aircraft touched down in a tobacco field, overran the field, crossed a road, and came to rest in a ditch.
Engine Examination
Postcrash examination of the engine revealed that the cylinders had been installed with sealing compound under the bases. The No. 2 cylinder hold down studs had lost torque and failed, resulting in the cylinder separating from the engine case. Subsequently, the No. 1 and No. 2 connecting rods broke loose from the crankshaft, and the engine seized.
Maintenance History
Engine records indicated that the engine had been overhauled about 12 years and 1,257 flight hours before the failure. No entries showed removal and re-installation of the cylinders after the engine overhaul. The engine was last inspected 64 flight hours before the accident.