Incident Summary
A pilot experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff. According to the pilot, the engine began "slowing down" and then came to a "complete and abrupt stop, as if it seized up." At approximately 500 feet above ground level, the pilot executed a forced landing to a field. The landing gear was lowered, but the soft terrain caused substantial damage to the airplane during the landing roll.
Engine Inspection Findings
A teardown inspection of the engine revealed that damage to engine components was consistent with oil starvation. Further investigation uncovered that the mechanic who performed the annual maintenance inspection had not installed the oil, the oil filter, or the belly skins on the airplane before signing the maintenance logbook, indicating the airplane was in an airworthy condition.
Operator's Actions
The fixed base operator (FBO) that employed the mechanic reported that the engine was run without engine oil, but the pilot was not notified of this fact.