SEA03LA164

The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, he noted a minor shaking. The pilot performed a magneto check, enrichened the mixture, and switched fuel tanks. The shaking continued as the pilot noted a rise in oil temperature. The engine subsequently lost power and the pilot initiated a forced landing to a beach. The aircraft was substantially damaged during the gear up landing. During a post accident inspection of the engine it was found that the number three cylinder would not hold compression. The cylinder was removed and it was found that the piston head displayed severe pitting, heat distress and metal transfer from the piston to the cylinder wall. Portions of the piston were broken off as well as portions of the piston rings. The number five cylinder was also removed which displayed similar damage to the piston head, however not as severe. A fuel flow test of the fuel injectors found that the number three injector indicated a decreased fuel flow as compared to the other five.

On July 17, 2003, at 1745 Pacific daylight time, a Beech A35, N8598A, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, experienced a loss of engine power followed by a forced landing to the shoreline near Freeland, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot and his three passengers were not injured. The flight originated from Kent, Washington, about 20 minutes prior to the accident.

During a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that while in cruise flight he noted a minor shaking. The pilot performed a magneto check, enrichened the mixture slightly, and switched fuel tanks. The shaking continued as the pilot noted a rise in oil temperature. The pilot then initiated a turn toward an alternate landing area. Immediately after this maneuver, the pilot noted a "bad smell" and contacted air traffic control for directions to an alternate airport. Unable to reach an alternate airport due to a now loss of engine power and decreasing altitude, the pilot elected to land on a beach. The pilot landed the aircraft gear up on the shoreline.

The pilot, who is also a certificated Airframe and Powerplant mechanic, recovered the aircraft from the beach and transported it back to Orcas Island. Prior to Federal Aviation Administration arrival, the pilot reported that he started the engine and found that it ran rough.

On August 6, 2003, Inspectors from the Seattle, Washington, Flight Standards District Office, were present during an engine teardown. During the inspection, it was found that the number three cylinder would not hold compression. During the cylinder removal, non-magnetic pieces of what appeared to be aluminum material fell out of the air induction tube. After the cylinder was removed, the piston head was noted to display severe pitting damage, heat distress and metal transfer from the piston to the cylinder wall. Portions of the piston head were broken off as well as portions of the piston rings.

The number five cylinder was also removed and displayed similar damage, however not as severe.

The oil filter was removed and cut open. Small metallic particles were noted within the filter.

On August 22, 2003, the pilot/mechanic accomplished a fuel flow test on the fuel injectors. The pilot reported a decreased fuel flow to the number three injector as compared to the other five.