Incident
A single-engine aircraft departed Toussus-le-Noble Airport in the early morning on a private flight to Fairoaks with two people on board. About 40 minutes into the flight, at an altitude of 18,000 feet, the manifold pressure dropped from 30 to 28 inches of mercury. The pilot increased engine power, causing the manifold pressure to boost to 33 inches of mercury before dropping again. Suddenly, a burning smell pervaded the cabin.
Emergency and Diversion
The pilot declared an emergency and elected to divert to Abbeville Airport, which was 15 nautical miles from the aircraft's position. During the descent, the pilot lowered the landing gear and reduced engine power. Shortly before reaching flight level 100, the oil pressure warning light illuminated, the engine began to vibrate, and then stopped. At that time, the aircraft was 10 nautical miles from Abbeville Airport and descending in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Landing and Outcome
On short final, at a height of 300 feet, the pilot established visual contact with the runway but the aircraft's trajectory was too short. It crash landed in a field and came to rest 200 metres short of runway 20. Both occupants escaped uninjured, while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable Cause
Examination of the engine revealed a tightening defect in the connecting rod heads. The rupture of one of them caused a loss of oil pressure and damage to the movable coupling of the engine, which had been subject to repairs in March 2000 following a belly landing.