An AA5B pilot experienced an engine failure inflight; after a rod bearing had a catastrophic failure...

Narrative:

VFR en-route assigned transponder code and traffic advisories from TRACON. All engine parameters normal - engine ran rough momentarily and seized. Windshield covered with engine oil -reduced forward visibility - executed a descending turn and ran emergency checklist. Advised ATC and declared emergency. I requested emergency equipment and ATC advised local sheriff department notified. [I] successfully completed a no-power landing. Initial check of engine showed the #2 piston rod/bearing appeared to have had a catastrophic failure resulting in extensive damage to the crankshaft; engine case and cam shaft - the engine could not be rotated by hand. #2 cylinder had been replaced approximately 36 hours before this incident as a result of a stuck exhaust valve that damaged the exhaust valve push rod and tube. The exhaust valve failure occurred on the ground shortly after start- up. Compression check on #2 cylinder performed approximately 8 hours after installation during a required annual inspection was 75/80. Further inspection is necessary to determine route cause of failure.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An AA5B pilot experienced an engine failure inflight; after a rod bearing had a catastrophic failure. The Pilot declared an emergency with ATC; who was providing VFR flight following; and landed uneventuflly.

Narrative: VFR en-route assigned transponder code and traffic advisories from TRACON. All engine parameters normal - engine ran rough momentarily and seized. Windshield covered with engine oil -reduced forward visibility - executed a descending turn and ran emergency checklist. Advised ATC and declared emergency. I requested emergency equipment and ATC advised local Sheriff Department notified. [I] successfully completed a no-power landing. Initial check of engine showed the #2 piston rod/bearing appeared to have had a catastrophic failure resulting in extensive damage to the crankshaft; engine case and cam shaft - the engine could not be rotated by hand. #2 cylinder had been replaced approximately 36 hours before this incident as a result of a stuck exhaust valve that damaged the exhaust valve push rod and tube. The exhaust valve failure occurred on the ground shortly after start- up. Compression check on #2 cylinder performed approximately 8 hours after installation during a required Annual Inspection was 75/80. Further inspection is necessary to determine route cause of failure.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	882798
Time
Date	201004
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.Airport
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Cheetah Tiger Traveler AA5 Series
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 91
Flight Phase	Cruise
Route In Use	Direct
Flight Plan	None
Component
Aircraft Component	Piston
Person 1
Function	Single Pilot
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) Flight Crew Flight Instructor Flight Crew Multiengine Flight Crew Instrument
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 40 Flight Crew Total 8400 Flight Crew Type 130
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical

An AA5B pilot experienced an engine failure inflight; after a rod bearing had a catastrophic failure. The pilot declared an emergency with ATC; who was providing VFR flight following; and landed uneventuflly.