Accident Summary
The pilot of a single-engine aircraft contacted an air route surveillance control (ARSA) controller after losing power in the right engine while flying over an air force base. The controller informed the pilot that his position was near a civilian airport with limited maintenance facilities and an air force base. The pilot stated his intention to continue to a larger civilian airport along his route where maintenance could be obtained. Subsequently, the pilot reported difficulty seeing the ground and an inability to maintain altitude because the propeller did not feather.
Emergency Landing Attempt
The aircraft overflew a small civilian airport, and the pilot informed the unicom operator that he would attempt to land on an interstate highway. After overflying the highway, the aircraft struck an electrical transmission line and then collided with a residence. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident inspection revealed that the right engine's No. 3 cylinder head had fractured, allowing the head to displace outward by 3/8 inch. The fracture resulted from fatigue in the threaded area between the head and the cylinder. Functional testing of the propeller governor after the accident showed it operated normally.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was the pilot's poor decision and misjudgment of distance. Contributing factors included the separation of the cylinder, the failure of the propeller to feather, and impact with wires and a residence.