Accident Overview
On May 22, 2020, about 1415 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, registration N7355W, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Steele, Missouri. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that while cruising at 3,000 ft mean sea level, the oil pressure gauge dropped to zero. Suspecting a faulty gauge, he began a turn to return to the departure airport. During the turn, oil pressure briefly returned to normal before falling to zero again. Shortly after, the engine made unusual sounds, shook violently, and oil covered the windscreen, followed by a complete loss of engine power. Unable to glide to an airport, the pilot executed a forced landing in a cotton field. The left wing sustained substantial damage during the landing.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the engine revealed a separated No. 2 cylinder connecting rod from the crankshaft and a large hole in the crankcase. The connecting rod strap had failed due to fatigue fractures in both arms. Fretting damage on the mating surface between the connecting rod cap and strap indicated movement at the joint. Additionally, circumferential marks on the connecting rod strap and galled bearing material showed that the bearing had spun within the connecting rod. Oil was present on the exterior of the airplane, but no evidence of a pre-impact leak was found.
Maintenance History
Engine maintenance records indicated the most recent overhaul was completed on September 11, 1998. The most recent annual inspection was on May 5, 2020, at which time the engine had accumulated 1,063.77 hours since overhaul. Lycoming Service Instruction 1009BE, dated April 24, 2020, listed a time between overhaul (TBO) of 2,000 hours for the O-360-A3A engine, but also stated that all engine models must be overhauled within 12 calendar years of first service or last overhaul to mitigate age-related deterioration.