Incident Overview
A private certificated pilot was conducting a cross-country personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, cruising at about 2,000 feet above ground level. During the flight, the pilot detected a smell and then observed what appeared to be smoke emanating from the engine, which subsequently lost power.
Emergency Landing
The pilot lowered the flaps and landing gear and performed an emergency landing on a beach. During the landing roll, the nose gear collapsed.
Postaccident Findings
After the accident, while awaiting rescue, the pilot discovered that the number four cylinder connecting rod had fractured and was protruding through the top of the engine case.
A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the number 4 connecting rod was fractured at the base of the rod beam. Fragments of the rod cap, the rod bearing, and the connecting rod bolts exhibited thermal and mechanical damage. The rod cap bolts were necked down at the point of fracture. Fragments of the rod bearing were found in the engine oil sump.
Engine Maintenance History
The engine had accrued 1,482 hours since its last overhaul, which was performed in 1970, and 9 hours since its last annual inspection on June 24, 2006. The engine manufacturer's recommended Time Between Engine Overhaul (TBO) for the accident engine is 1,500 hours or every 12 years.