Engine Failure and Forced Landing Attempt Resulting in Impact with Trees (N93770)

Incident Narrative

While climbing through cloud layers, an instrument-rated private pilot noted a momentary excursion in engine rpm just after passing 8,000 feet. The pilot observed that engine oil pressure indicated zero and alerted the commercial pilot passenger. Soon after the passenger suggested returning to the departure airport, a loud bang emanated from the engine, accompanied by smoke over the windshield and an acrid smell in the cockpit. With the passenger's assistance, the pilot set up for a landing at an airstrip, but cloud layers prevented visual acquisition of the strip. As the airplane neared the airstrip, the passenger yelled "trees," and the airplane subsequently impacted the trees.

Examination Findings

A post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the #1 and #2 connecting rods had failed due to overheating caused by oil starvation. The underlying reason for the oil starvation could not be determined.