Incident Overview
During a fungicide application flight over a cranberry bog, the aircraft passed over a road at an altitude of 800 feet MSL. The pilot reported hearing a "loud bang," immediately followed by a complete loss of engine power. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft for a forced landing, dumping the fungicide load and clearing some trees before touching down in a furrowed cornfield. The aircraft sustained substantial damage in the landing.
Engine Examination
Post-incident inspection of the engine revealed internal damage, including galling of a bearing and the crankshaft bearing surface. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the galling was indicative of a "lack of lubrication." However, the inspector reported no mechanical malfunction, leak, or blockage of the lubrication system.