Accident Overview
A pilot conducting an aerial photography flight experienced a sudden reduction in engine power. While flying at 3,500 feet mean sea level, the pilot noted that the engine noise became quieter and manifold pressure decreased by approximately 5 to 6 inches. A crewmember observed that the oil pressure gauge indicated zero.
Pilot Actions
The pilot initially intended to perform a precautionary landing at an airport, but the engine subsequently lost all power, necessitating a forced landing in a field. The pilot reported misjudging the approach, stating he was too high and too fast. He landed with a tailwind, overshot the intended field, and the airplane went through a barbed wire fence.
Post-Accident Examination
During a post-accident examination of the engine, the #1 connecting rod was found to have failed near the connecting rod cap. The #1 crankpin had the connecting rod cap bearing melted into its surface, which appeared very dry and discolored. Inspection of all rod cap bearings revealed they were reddish brown in color, indicating a lack of oil supply through the engine's oil galley. The oil pump was intact, free to rotate, and its gears were coated with oil.