Accident Overview
After climbing to 2,000 feet mean sea level, the engine experienced a complete loss of power. The pilot was unable to restart the engine and executed a forced landing to an open field. The airplane touched down, rolled approximately 200 feet, and the nose wheel subsequently collapsed.
Engine Examination
An examination of the engine revealed that the accessory drive gear dowel was broken, the locking plate was in place, and the accessory drive gear bolt was loose. Further examination of the bolt, locking plate, dowel, and gear showed no material issues contributing to the loss of engine power. The damage to the gear dowel was consistent with the accessory drive gear bolt being undertorqued.
Additional Details
The engine was manufactured approximately two years before the accident and had accumulated about 656 hours of flight time. The accessory drive gear bolt had not been removed since its installation by the manufacturer.