19970514012849A

(-23) May 14, 1997, during a telephone interview, the pilot recollected the event in question. The pilot stated that he heard a metallic ticking noise and noticed that the oil pressure and oil temperature were normal when suddenly the engine began to break apart. At that moment the engine stopped. The pilot chose to make a forced landing on an open field near myakka city, Florida. May 22, 1997, engine tear down accomplished by aviation consultant services, revealed the installation of rod bolts did not comply with AD 95-07-01. On July 7, 1997, further investigation revealed that AD 95-07-01, did not apply to the engine in question. Illustrated parts break down of the Lycoming service manual showed that the rod bolts for that particular engine Lycoming 0-360-A1D s/n 24-3165 were correct bolts. On July 27, 1997, inspection of the engine revealed that part numbers on 2 of the connecting rods did not comply with Lycoming service bulletin no. 1359. (.4)the flight was about 25 miles east of the destination airport when the pilot reported that he 'heard maybe 2 seconds of ticking then complete engine failure. He spent about 10 to 15 seconds trying to stop the engine becau se he thought the engine would 'tear itself off the aircraft.' The pilot chose to make a forced landing in a field. One wing separated from the airplane when it collided with a tree on the approach, and the airplane traveled about 150 feet before it came to a stop. An engine teardown was performed under the supervision of the FAA, and revealed that all 4 connecting rod caps had come apart from their rods. The rod bolt nuts were found lying on the bottom of the oil pan. The investigation revealed that a mechanic had installed two (2) modified rod caps without the connecting rod assemblies, and without inspecting or servicing prior to installation on the engine.