Accident Overview
On February 27, 2015, at approximately 1419 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28R-200 airplane, registration N2837R, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Frankenmuth, Michigan. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The out-and-back flight to Flint, Michigan, had originated from Saginaw County Airport (HYX) in Saginaw, Michigan, about 1300.
Engine Failure Sequence
During the departure climb from Bishop International Airport (FNT) in Flint, Michigan, the pilot noticed the engine hesitate for one or two seconds and then recover to normal operation. The pilot continued the climb and proceeded toward HYX. Approaching HYX, the engine started to make abnormal noises, followed by a total loss of power.
Forced Landing and Damage
The pilot executed a forced landing into a snow-covered field. During the landing, both wings were damaged.
Post-Accident Examination
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel responded and measured the engine oil quantity at two quarts on the dipstick. A subsequent FAA teardown examination of the engine revealed a failure of all four piston connecting rods, with heat-related damage to all four cylinders. The engine failure signatures were consistent with a lack of lubrication. No visible oil loss or indication of excess oil consumption was observed at the accident site or during the teardown examination.
Maintenance and Pilot Statements
The last engine oil change occurred on October 20, 2014. After that oil change, seven flights totaling 12.8 hours were recorded prior to the accident flight. Records indicated that no oil was added before or after these flights. During an FAA interview, the pilot stated that he noted slightly less than 8 quarts of oil during the preflight for the accident flight. The pilot also stated that his habit was to check engine oil temperature and pressure instruments during warm-up and the pre-takeoff run-up, but not during flight.