Incident Overview
A Douglas DC-3 aircraft was conducting cruise flight at an altitude of 5,000 feet when the pilot heard a loud "bang." Immediately afterward, the pilot observed a reflection of fire on the left engine nacelle. The aircraft subsequently executed a forced landing at a nearby airport. Following the landing, it was determined that the right engine assembly had separated from the airframe.
Examination Findings
Post-incident inspection revealed fire damage on the trailing edge of the right wing and on the landing gear assembly. The engine examination disclosed that the No. 12 cylinder had separated from the main case. Evidence of oil from the No. 12 cylinder was found across the engine and exhaust systems. Further examination showed that cylinders No. 7, 8, and 9 had also failed and separated. Ultimately, the engine seized and separated from the airframe.
Additional Details
No other information regarding the aircraft registration, operator, date, or injuries was provided in the source. The investigation did not specify any contributing factors or probable causes beyond the described mechanical failures.