The airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing at 1705 Eastern time. The commercial pilot and three passengers were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.
A few minutes after departure and while in initial climb, engine rpm began to rise rapidly, associated with an engine oil pressure warning. The pilot performed remedial actions and thought he had a propeller overspeed condition, so he reduced throttle; however, rpm remained high. He secured the engine, declared an emergency with ATC and turned toward a nearby airport. As the pilot added flaps, the airplane began to feel “mushy.” As the airplane descended through 1000 feet, he deployed the airframe parachute and the airplane settled into trees.
