Flight and Engine Problems
The pilot reported that after takeoff, the flight proceeded to a location called the "Villages." He then made a right turn and elected to return to the departure airport. While on the west side of Lake Griffin, approximately 3 miles from the destination airport, the engine began to run rough. The pilot reduced throttle control, but the engine continued to run rough. He checked the magnetos and verified the mixture control was full rich, which had no effect.
Maneuvers and Mechanical Failure
Discontinuing the approach, the pilot began a right descending turn, not wanting to fly over the lake. He noted that something inside the engine compartment hit the engine cowling. After looking for a place to land, he banked to the right and spotted an opening. He lowered the flaps but overshot the intended landing area. While descending, he saw a telephone pole straight ahead and applied left rudder to avoid it, but the right wing collided with the pole.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the engine revealed that the head of the No. 4 cylinder had separated from the barrel due to fatigue cracking. A review of the maintenance records showed that the engine was overhauled on November 2, 1993. On June 1, 1999, the No. 4 cylinder was removed, repaired, and installed. The No. 4 cylinder had accumulated 1,076.9 hours since installation after repair.