NTSB Factual Report

On July 22, 2007, about 1943 central daylight time, a North American T-6G, N22NA, piloted by an airline transport pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, following a loss of engine power. The 14 CFR part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. No injuries were reported. The flight's origin was was not reported. The Fond Du Lac County Airport was the intended destination.

After the loss of engine power the pilot executed a forced landing on the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 41. A Wisconsin State Highway Patrol car heading northbound captured the landing on the car's on-board video camera. The video was broadcast on various television news networks and on the internet. The video showed the airplane landing amongst vehicle traffic. During the landing, the airplane struck a road sign which caused substantial damage to the right wing. An examination of the airplane subsequent to the accident revealed that the radial engine's master connecting rod had failed.

As of November 27, 2007, the pilot had not submitted a report of the accident to the NTSB.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power due to the failure of the engine's master connecting rod which resulted in the forced landing. The road sign was a factor.