Accident Overview
A pilot performed a touch-and-go landing, but shortly after takeoff, the engine began losing power and eventually ceased operation. The pilot executed a forced landing to a field. During the landing roll, the airplane sustained substantial damage.
Engine Inspection Findings
An examination of the engine revealed that the number one intake valve was stuck in the open position. Further inspection showed that the number one exhaust cam follower had fractured into three pieces. Debris from the fractured exhaust cam follower was found jammed between the cam and the cam follower for the number one intake plunger assembly. Additionally, a section of the engine casing around the number one intake cam follower had broken away.
Maintenance Records
According to maintenance records, the engine's total operating time exceeded the manufacturer's recommended time between overhauls.
Conclusion
The engine failure resulted from a mechanical malfunction involving the valve train components, as described in the inspection findings. The forced landing was necessitated by the loss of engine power.