Accident
After takeoff from Wheeling-Palwaukee Airport, while climbing, the pilot declared an emergency after an explosion on the left engine. He was cleared to return for an emergency landing and continued the approach. Upon touchdown, the airplane went out of control and crashed in flames. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Investigation
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was failure of the left engine during climb due to master and connecting rods failure. Contributing factors included fire and explosion in flight, material failure, a leak, fire in the engine, complete engine failure, failure of the No. 5 connecting rod, a hole in the oil sump, and failure of the left wing and left main gear upon landing.