Accident Overview
Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot reported an onboard fire to air traffic control and stated his intention to land the airplane. The controller provided assistance to help the pilot reach an airport for an emergency landing.
Witness Observations
A witness observed the airplane with its landing gear and flaps retracted as it attempted to land, moving up and down at an altitude of 5 to 10 feet. The witness heard scraping metal as the airplane proceeded along the runway and noted that the engine sounded normal, with no signs of smoke or fire. The airplane then gained altitude before descending and impacting the ground beyond the departure end of the runway.
Postcrash Examination
Postcrash examination indicated that the engine was operating at the time of impact. The crankcase had incurred a rupture in the area above and in line with the No. 1 cylinder. An oil streak was observed proceeding from the engine cowling along the right side of the fuselage. Evidence of oil starvation affecting several internal engine parts was found. No anomalies were noted with the airframe or other airplane systems. Both the landing gear and flap systems functioned normally when tested.
Emergency Procedures Reference
The manufacturer's emergency procedures for the airplane state that, for both an engine fire and engine failure in flight, the landing gear should be lowered during an emergency landing, depending on the landing surface.
Engine Maintenance History
An engine logbook entry dated April 12, 2006, from an annual inspection noted that "some metal" was found after oil was drained, and it was recommended to run the engine for an additional 10 hours for further inspection. A follow-up inspection on July 20, 2006, indicated no metal contaminants in the oil and no oil leaks. On November 15, 2006, the engine was again inspected for both metal contamination and leaks, and none were found.