Engine Shook Violently, And Stopped Producing Power

Location: Wilder, ID Accident Number: WPR22LA314
Date & Time: August 20, 2022, 18:00 Local Registration: N4133S
Aircraft: Beech F33A Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 20, 2022, about 1800 mountain daylight time, a Beech F33A, N4133S was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Wilder, Idaho. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot and a mechanic had been performing maintenance, attempting to resolve a problem where the engine would intermittently shudder during flight. After checking the cylinder compression, replacing a set of spark plugs, cleaning the fuel injectors, and confirming the engine timing, they decided to perform a test flight.

The engine runup and takeoff were uneventful, and during climb out they monitored the engine instrument gauges, and all indicated nominal values. A short time  later, the engine shook violently, and stopped producing power. They performed a forced landing into a field, and the airplane sustained damage to the lower forward fuselage and both wings. Preliminary examination of the engine revealed a large hole in the upper rear section of the crankcase, just below both magnetos.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov