Incident Overview
During cruise flight, the engine experienced a complete loss of power. The private pilot, who had accumulated 4,095 flight hours, initiated a forced landing onto a trunk pipeline. The airplane subsequently impacted uneven terrain and came to rest in an upright position.
Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine disclosed that the number three cylinder had no compression. The number three piston apron and all eight hydraulic tappet bodies exhibited heavy damage. Additionally, the piston cooling nozzle assembly was found disconnected and lying in the oil sump, accompanied by numerous metal fragments. Notably, the threaded portions of the piston cooling nozzle assembly and its corresponding crankcase receptacle were undamaged.
Pilot and Flight Details
The pilot held a private pilot certificate and had logged 4,095 hours of total flight time. No further details regarding the flight plan, weather conditions, or aircraft specifics were provided.
Conclusion
No probable cause was determined from the available information. The investigation focused on the mechanical findings, which highlighted the disconnected nozzle assembly and associated internal damage.