Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss During Climb (N9267X)

Incident Overview and Immediate Effects During climb through 600 feet after takeoff, a loud bang was heard and a hole appeared in the top of the engine cowling. Oil leaked from the engine and covered the windshield. The engine did not stop running, but did loose power. A forced landing was landing was made in a field and the nose landing gear collapsed during rollout. Post crash examination of the engine showed the number 3 connecting rod had separated from the crankshaft. Examination of the number three connecting rod bolts showed one bolt had failed due to fatigue which emanated from the edge of the bolt in the dowel area. The other bolt separated due to bending overstress. Examination of connecting rod bolts from the numbers 1 and 2 connecting rods showed slight rubbing in the dowel area of the bolts. Breakaway torque on the numbers 1,2,5, and 6 connecting rod bolts showed torque values below the manufacturers requirements.