Accident Overview
On July 1, 2011, at approximately 1100 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, registration N56417, was substantially damaged when it impacted a bale of hay during a forced landing near Flippin, Arkansas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to Mid-South Specialty Construction LLC and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight, which operated without a flight plan. The flight originated from Mountain Home, Arkansas, and was en route to Marshall, Arkansas.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, while in cruise flight, he noted a decrease in engine rpm. He began troubleshooting the problem and reversed course to head toward more favorable terrain for a forced landing. After completing the turn, the engine seized. The pilot then performed a forced landing to a pasture. During the landing roll, the right wing impacted a bale of hay, causing the right wing to separate from the fuselage.
Investigation Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the airplane had just undergone maintenance. An examination of the engine revealed that the loss of engine power and resultant seizure was due to a loss of engine oil. Further examination revealed that the bolts on the vacuum pump were loose, and the engine oil was exiting at that location. An examination of the airframe and remaining systems revealed no anomalies.