What happened
During the takeoff roll, both engines of the aircraft produced adequate power. After reaching an altitude of 8,400 feet, the right engine began misfiring significantly, accompanied by the observation of blue smoke emanating from the inboard side of the engine cowling.
In response to the engine malfunction, the pilot shut down the right engine and initiated a turn back toward the airport. An attempt was made to restart the right engine; however, the engine seized approximately 20 seconds after the restart attempt. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing in a small field located on a heavily forested ridge, approximately 2 miles south of the airport.
The investigation
The aircraft sustained significant damage during the event, including bent wings and a wrinkled fuselage. During the salvage and recovery process, investigators found excessive oil present on and around the right engine nacelle. It was noted that according to the Pilot Owners Handbook, the single engine absolute ceiling for this aircraft is 6,400 feet.
Findings
- The right engine experienced a severe malfunction characterized by power loss and blue smoke.
- An attempt to restart the engine resulted in a seizure within 20 seconds.
- The exact cause of the failure within the oil system was not determined.