Accident Overview
On March 15, 2009, at 1500 eastern daylight time, a Beech B24R (Sierra), registration N9348S, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Bellefontaine, Ohio. The aircraft was operated by a private pilot under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
The flight departed Grimes Field Airport (I74), near Urbana, Ohio, at 1445 edt, and was en route to Bluffton Airport (5G7), near Bluffton, Ohio.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, while in cruise flight, he noticed abnormal engine noises and a partial loss of engine oil pressure. He immediately diverted to Bellefontaine Regional Airport (KEDJ) and entered the downwind leg for runway 7. During the turn to base, the engine oil pressure dropped to zero and the engine seized. The pilot established best glide speed and continued the turn onto final approach. He reported that the airplane was not in a position to reach the runway threshold or clear the airport perimeter fence. He lowered the landing gear and selected full flaps before landing in the grass area outside the fence. During rollout, the airplane impacted the fence, damaging both wings and the nose landing gear.
Engine Examination Findings
An engine teardown examination revealed that the number 3 cylinder connecting rod assembly had separated from its corresponding crankshaft journal. The crankshaft journal surface was blue, consistent with exposure to excessive heat and lack of lubricant. The oil suction screen was obstructed with bearing material. The number 3 cylinder connecting rod cap was found jammed beneath the counterbalance weight. One of the two connecting rod stretch bolts remained intact, but its corresponding nut was finger tight. The measured torque for the upper and lower stretch bolts on the number 2 cylinder connecting rod was 15 foot-pounds and 6 foot-pounds, respectively. The manufacturer specified torque value was 40 foot-pounds. The Lycoming IO-360-A1B6 engine, serial number L-13455-51A, had accumulated 492.7 hours since its last overhaul in September 1999 following a propeller strike.