What happened
Approximately 15 minutes after departing, the pilot was engaged in level cruise flight when the engine began to run rough. In response to the engine instability, the pilot elected to perform a precautionary landing on a remote lake.
Following the touchdown, the aircraft was taxiing toward the shore when flames erupted from beneath the engine cowling. The fire spread rapidly throughout the airplane cabin. Unable to control the blaze, the pilot was forced to abandon the aircraft and swim to the shore to reach safety. The pilot was not injured during the event.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage at the accident scene. The inspection revealed that the fire had totally consumed the main fuselage, the engine nacelle, and both inboard portions of the wings. While the engine eventually fell into the water, it was later recovered. Due to the extensive damage caused by the fire, the inspector could not determine the specific origin of the blaze.