Incident Overview
During cruise flight, a pilot noticed a minor shaking. In response, the pilot performed a magneto check, enrichened the mixture, and switched fuel tanks. The shaking continued, and the pilot observed a rise in oil temperature. Subsequently, the engine lost power, prompting the pilot to initiate a forced landing onto a beach. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the gear-up landing.
Post-Accident Inspection
Following the accident, an inspection of the engine found that the number three cylinder would not hold compression. Upon removal, the piston head exhibited severe pitting, heat distress, and metal transfer from the piston to the cylinder wall. Portions of the piston and piston rings were broken off. The number five cylinder was also removed and showed similar damage to the piston head, though less severe.
Additionally, a fuel flow test of the fuel injectors revealed that the number three injector had decreased fuel flow compared to the other five injectors.