Accident Overview
On July 16, 2011, at 1830 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N5532P) experienced a loss of engine power while in cruise flight. The pilot executed a forced landing to a private grass strip near Lopez, Washington. During the landing roll, the left wing struck a fence post, resulting in substantial damage. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.
Flight Details
The owner/pilot operated the airplane under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal cross-country flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight departed Roche Harbor Airport (WA09), Roche Harbor, Washington, at 1815, and was destined for Frontier Airpark (WN53), Lake Stevens, Washington. No flight plan was filed.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that while cruising at about 2,000 feet near Spencer Island, he heard a loud bang, felt extreme vibration, noticed smoke in the cockpit, and saw oil covering the windshield. He reduced engine power to idle, opened the side vent window, and regained visibility. He selected the nearest landing strip and touched down. During the rollout, the pilot stated the grass strip was shorter than needed to stop, and the runway surface was wet. He intentionally placed the airplane in a "ground slide," and prior to stopping, the left wing contacted a fence post.
Post-Accident Inspection
During the post-accident inspection of the engine, the pilot observed a crack in the engine block near the rear cylinder on the pilot's side. No further examination was performed.