The aircraft was cruising at 10,000 feet at night, when the passenger noticed the manifold pressure reducing. The engine rpm also dropped and the pilot changed fuel tanks, switched on the fuel boost pumps and moved the throttle and pitch controls to the fully forward positions. At about the same time the manifold pressure and engine rpm readings reportedly dropped to zero. The aircraft was set up in a glide and despite several attempts engine power could not be restored. The pilot tracked the aircraft towards a town and descended over the town before taking up a westerly heading in preparation for landing. At about 20 feet above the ground the aircraft struck a tree and then landed heavily on a steep bank. An inspection of the engine found that the crankshaft had failed due to a fatigue fracture initiated from a manufacturing fault. An Airworthiness Directive regarding inspections of crankshafts in this type of engine has since been introduced.
