What happened
During the cruise phase of flight, the pilot encountered significant issues with one of the engines. After notifying Air Traffic Control of the mechanical difficulties, the pilot was required to shut down the right engine and feather the propeller to maintain control.
While receiving clearance to divert to a nearby airfield, the aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall. The plane subsequently impacted a prairie area located in Delta. The impact resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond repair, though the pilot escaped without injury.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing elements related to the powerplant and maintenance practices:
- Improper installation of piston rings within the engine
- Development of excessive temperatures during operation
- Inadequate maintenance and inspection procedures
- The presence of rough terrain at the crash site