Incident Summary
A pilot departed from a private airstrip for a pleasure flight. After reaching a cruising altitude, the aircraft was leveled at 2,500 feet and engine power was adjusted to cruise RPM. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the pilot perceived a vibration originating from the engine and made the decision to return to the departure airstrip. As the aircraft executed the turn, the vibration intensified and engine RPM began to decrease. The pilot then decided to land at a closer airstrip. However, while aligning the aircraft with that airstrip, the engine stopped producing power entirely. Unable to reach the airstrip, the pilot performed an off-airport landing; the aircraft landed short and collided with trees.
Engine Examination
Post-incident inspection of the engine revealed a fractured crankshaft. The total time accumulated on the crankshaft was not determined. This flight was the first following a propeller change, during which a metal propeller was removed and a wooden propeller was installed.