Dec 10, 2023
Accident
Substantial Topock, AZ
Injuries1 fatal
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 091
Probable Cause
The failure of the No. 4 connecting rod due to oil starvation, which resulted in a loss of engine power, inflight fire, and a subsequent off-airport emergency landing on rough desert terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt a return to the airport when closer sites were available for a forced landing.
NTSB WPR24FA054