Incident Details
During cruise flight, the pilot detected a slight fire smell. Shortly thereafter, the engine began to lose power gradually and did not respond to throttle inputs.
Landing and Fire Suppression
The pilot executed a forced landing on a gravel bar. After touchdown, the pilot extinguished the fire in the engine accessory case using a fire extinguisher and dirt.
Post-Incident Status
The airplane has not been recovered, and the engine has not been examined.
Probable Cause
Official findings state the probable cause was a fire in the engine accessory drive assembly. A contributing factor was the rough and uneven forced landing area.