What happened
A commercial pilot with 10,300 hours of experience was performing an aerial application flight when the aircraft's engine experienced a drop in RPM. Following this event, the pilot decided to return to the airport.
While en route, the engine suffered a drop in manifold pressure and emitted a large puff of smoke. The engine then experienced a total loss of power. The pilot subsequently executed an emergency landing into a pasture. During the aircraft's rollout, it struck a barbwire fence before coming to rest in an upright position. All occupants were not injured.
The investigation
An examination of the engine was conducted following the accident. Investigators discovered a hole on the top of the engine case. This damage was found to be consistent with a connecting rod failure. Records indicated that the engine had accumulated a total of 766 hours, with 122 hours elapsed since its last inspection.