This April 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: North American T-28. Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: Kingman, Ariz. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: About 15 minutes after takeoff the pilot observed the engine oil pressure drop and the temperature increase. This was followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot made an intentional gear-up forced landing on rough terrain.
A partial teardown examination of the engine revealed ferrous and non-ferrous metal in the oil screens. The number three connecting rod was found bent, and the number four and number five cylinders were damaged. Numerous pieces of metal were observed in the crankcase that were associated with the bent cylinders and pistons. The internal engine component that initially broke at the beginning of the sequence was not identified.
Probable cause: A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to an undetermined catastrophic internal engine failure.
For more information: NTSB.gov
