FTW95LA360

In cruise flight, the pilot noticed oil on the flying wires and headed for the nearest airport. The engine lost power several minutes later, and the pilot attempted to land in the 'only available' location, a field surrounded by trees. The airplane struck the trees during approach to the field. Examination of the engine revealed the #5 cylinder had separated in flight, resulting in the loss of oil.

On August 24, 1995, at 1215 central daylight time, a Boeing A75N1, N68722, was substantially damaged when it struck trees during a forced landing near Evadale, Texas. The commercial pilot/operator received minor injuries. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane departed Jennings, Louisiana, at 1130 en route to Brenham, Texas.

According to the pilot, the flight of two airplanes was cruising at 2,500 feet MSL when he "noted oil on the flying wires" of his airplane. The pilot of the second airplane observed an "oil leak about one foot in width extending from the engine to the cockpit" of the accident airplane. Both airplanes reversed course and headed towards the nearest airport. "Several minutes later" the accident airplane's engine lost power. The pilot reported that the "only available landing spot" was "a small field surrounded by trees." During approach to the field, the airplane struck trees. The wings and center section were "destroyed" and the emmpenage was "bent."

Examination of the engine by a certificated mechanic revealed that the #5 cylinder had separated in flight. The cylinder was not recovered which prevented determination of the reason for its separation. In the opinion of the mechanic, "the cylinder coming off the engine was the ultimate cause of failure (oil and manifold pressure loss.)"