Accident Narrative
The incident began during a cruise climb from an island-based airport, where the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The engine subsequently regained power, prompting the pilot to divert to an airport located 8.5 nautical miles to the south at an altitude of 2,600 feet mean sea level. Approximately five nautical miles from the destination, the engine began to run roughly. The pilot then adopted best glide airspeed. When the airplane was about 3.5 nautical miles from the airport, smoke was observed emanating from the engine cowling, immediately after which the engine seized. The airplane subsequently impacted a barbed wire fence located 200 yards from the approach end of runway 20 at the diversion airport.
Engine Examination
A post-accident examination of the Textron Lycoming O-360-A4M engine revealed the presence of an abrasive material, similar in nature to that used during the engine manufacturing process, in the oil passages from the main gallery to the number one and number two main bearings. This finding was documented as part of the investigation.