Incident Overview
A certificated commercial pilot was operating an airplane in cruise flight when the engine began to run roughly and lose power. The power loss continued until the airplane could no longer maintain altitude. The pilot then selected a hillside as an emergency landing site. During the landing, the airplane's fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Engine Examination
On July 1, personnel from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an examination of the engine at Wick Air, Inc. in Wasilla, Alaska. The examination revealed no preaccident engine anomalies.
Post-Accident Engine Test
On September 11, personnel from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operated the engine while it was installed on the airframe. The engine operated normally at idle power during the test.