Skywagon 185
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Total 6800; Flight Crew Type 8
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
While conducting some propeller and governor testing in a Cessna 185 with an experimental airworthiness certificate; I experienced a catastrophic engine failure while descending through approximately 6000 feet. The #2 cylinder connecting rod failed which punched a hole in the top of the engine case. Oil covered the windshield and smoke filled the cockpit. The engine continued to run on 5 cylinders and the right magneto under reduced power. I was able to get the airplane back to the airport and land safely. The failure happened approximately 5 miles from the airport.
C185 pilot reported an engine failure during governor testing led to a return to the departure airport.