Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the number four cylinder and unsuitable terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During takeoff, about 200 feet above ground level over the departure end of the runway, the pilot heard a loud pop, the engine's power dropped off and oil smoke filled the air. The pilot made a forced landing on a grass runway. During the rollout, the aircraft went off the edge of the grass strip and crossed a shallow ditch, separating the nose and left main gear from the airplane. An engine tear down revealed that the number 4 cylinder split in half near the center of the barrel.
Source record
Factual narrative
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