What happened
Shortly after departure, the pilot of a single-engine aircraft reported a loss of engine power and requested assistance to reach the nearest airport. An air traffic controller provided a heading and landmarks to assist with navigation. The pilot, who had 1,440 hours of flight experience, was unable to locate the intended airport and chose to land in a short field. At the time of the incident, winds were reported from 210 degrees at 12 knots. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with several obstacles and subsequently caught fire. There were no fatalities or injuries reported.
The investigation
An examination of the engine revealed a breach in the crankcase above the number 2 cylinder. Investigators found that the crankshaft and the number 1, number 2, and number 3 connecting rod assemblies showed signs of thermal distress, which is consistent with lack of lubrication. Upon disassembling the engine-driven oil pump, it was discovered that the two bushings intended to support the oil driven-gear had not been installed. Additionally, the driven gear had fractured at the spline-drive. The oil pump driven-gear support shaft showed wear across its full length, indicating operation without the necessary bushings. The interior wall of the oil pump housing also exhibited heavy scoring and displaced material, suggesting the gear had been binding. While the oil filter contained a minimal amount of metallic debris, maintenance records provided limited clarity; although the engine was overhauled on July 20, 1998, specific repair details were only found in work orders rather than the logs. The engine had flown approximately 1,059.7 hours since its last overhaul.