What happened
While operating over Festus Memorial Airport (FES) in Festus, Missouri, the engine of the Cessna began running roughly. In response to the engine instability, the pilot elected to return to Sparta Community-Hunter Field Airport (SAR) in Sparta, Illinois, which was located approximately 35 nautical miles from the aircraft's position over FES.
Approximately eight nautical miles from SAR, the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot subsequently executed an emergency landing into a wheat field. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft due to the collapse of the landing gear during the forced landing.
The investigation
Mechanical examination of the engine revealed that the number five cylinder had separated from the engine assembly. Records indicated that the last major overhaul of the engine was completed on November 1, 1988, and the engine had accumulated 526 hours of operation since that overhaul. It was noted that the engine manufacturer recommends a complete overhaul every 12 years, regardless of whether the time-between-overhaul limits have been reached.