Event Overview
During a scheduled commuter flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 135, an engine cowling latch disengaged while the aircraft was in cruise flight. The upper cowling subsequently opened and separated from the airplane. Wind passing over the exposed engine compartment extracted the engine oil dipstick, and oil siphoned from the dipstick tube covered the aircraft's windscreen.
Emergency Response
The pilot declared an emergency and was joined in-flight by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter. The helicopter guided the airplane to a beach for an emergency landing. During the landing, the nose wheel of the airplane sank into the soft sand, causing the nose gear to collapse. The collapse damaged the airplane's firewall.
Inspection Findings
According to a report issued by the FAA aviation safety inspector who inspected the accident airplane, the cowling latch receptacles displayed significant wear patterns.