Incident Overview
A pilot reported aborting a cross-country flight due to encountering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) ahead. While returning to Billings, Montana, the pilot observed oil and smoke emanating from the engine compartment, and oil soon covered the windshield. The engine subsequently began losing power, prompting the pilot to shut it down.
Emergency Landing
The pilot performed an emergency landing on soft terrain. During the landing, the nose gear collapsed.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the engine revealed that the #5 cylinder had no compression. Further inspection of the cylinder through the spark plug hole using a flashlight disclosed a hole burned down the side of the piston.