Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a night visual flight rules (VFR) flight experienced a collision with rising terrain. While flying at an altitude of approximately 500 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot transitioned from over water to onshore, and the right propeller struck the rising shoreline.
Sequence of Events
The impact caused excessive vibration, prompting the pilot to shut down the right engine. However, the propeller did not fully feather before the engine stopped, achieving only partial feathering. The pilot then elected to perform a gear-up landing, which was completed without further incident. After landing, the pilot activated the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) to signal for rescue.