Incident Summary
The airplane was climbing through 1,500 feet when the engine began to run roughly. The pilot attempted to smooth the engine operation by adjusting the mixture, but the condition worsened and the engine stopped producing power entirely. Unable to glide to shore, the pilot ditched the airplane in a nearby bay.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the engine revealed a hole in the top of the crankcase at the number four cylinder. The number four connecting rod had fractured and separated. Due to immersion in salt water, the engine had corroded and could not be further disassembled. The corrosion also obscured the fracture faces of the connecting rod, preventing detailed metallurgical analysis.
Maintenance Records
Review of the maintenance records showed that the engine had accumulated 1,500 hours of operation beyond the manufacturer's recommended time between overhaul.