What happened
While flying at 2,200 feet MSL, the pilot of the aircraft observed a gradual reduction in power from the right engine. Shortly after this observation, the right engine power stabilized at approximately 1,400 rpm. During the period when the pilot was investigating the cause of the power loss, the aircraft's cabin door opened.
Rather than performing a precautionary landing at an airport passed during the flight, the pilot attempted to reach the intended destination. Due to difficulties maintaining altitude while the right engine operated at 1,400 rpm and the cabin door remained partially open, the pilot decided to shut down the right engine. Following the engine shutdown, the pilot determined that reaching the airport was no longer possible and chose to land in a nearby field. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during an intentional gear-up landing on soft, wet terrain.
The investigation
The investigation found that the aircraft had not been flown for nearly 13 years prior to the accident. It was also noted that although a thick, white, gooey substance was observed flowing from the right fuel sump drain, the pilot did not perform further examinations of the fuel system.