What happened
During the cruise phase of the flight, the pilot detected the smell of smoke or fire within the cockpit. Shortly after this observation, the engine experienced a progressive reduction in power. The pilot reported that the engine failed to respond to any manual control inputs, indicating a significant mechanical failure.
In response to the deteriorating engine performance, the pilot performed an emergency landing on a nearby gravel bar. Upon touchdown, a fire was identified within the engine accessory case. To prevent further damage or a potential crash, the crew utilized a fire extinguisher and applied dirt to suppress the flames.
Findings
At this time, the aircraft remains at the landing site and has not been recovered. Because the aircraft has not been retrieved, a formal inspection of the engine has not yet been conducted to determine the exact origin of the fire or the specific cause of the power loss.