Hubert G. Toll

Cessna 421A Golden Eagle I

The pilot contacted the arsa controller for advisories after losing power on the right engine over an air force base. The controller advised the pilot that his position was near a civilian airport with limited maintenance facilities and an air force base. The pilot advised that he desired to continue to a larger civilian airport along his route where he could obtain service. The pilot then informed the controller that he could barley see the ground and that he was unable to maintain altitude due to the propeller not feathering. The aircraft overflew a small civilian airport and the pilot told the unicom operator that he would attempt to land on an interstate highway. The aircraft overflew the highway and impacted an electrical transmission line and collided with a residence. Post accident inspection revealed the right engine #3 cylinder head fractured allowing the head to displace outward 3/8 inch. Fracture resulted from fatigue at threaded area between head and cylinder. The propeller governor operated normally during functional testing after the accident. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.