Incident Overview
During cruise, the pilot was troubleshooting a rhythmic power interruption (described as "missing") when a fire broke out in the engine compartment. The pilot headed for an airport with landing gear extended but elected to make a precautionary landing off the airport when the fire intensified. On touchdown, the landing gear sheared in heavy brush. The pilot reported that the aircraft had undergone considerable maintenance on the engine 1.5 hours prior to the flight; however, there were no logbook entries documenting the work performed. The qualifications and certification of the maintenance personnel who performed the work are undetermined. The aircraft was destroyed by a post-landing fire, which prevented precise determination of the original fire source and cause.
Maintenance and Documentation
The pilot stated that maintenance was performed on the engine approximately 1.5 hours before the flight, but no corresponding logbook entries were found. The identity and credentials of the maintenance person remain undetermined.
Outcome
The aircraft was consumed by fire after landing, leaving no opportunity to definitively identify the origin or cause of the engine compartment fire.