Piper PA-24-250 N5532P accident near Lopez, Washington

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to a cracked engine case near the rear cylinder.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during cruise flight, he heard a loud bang and felt a vibration. The cockpit filled with smoke, and oil covered the windshield, both of which compromised the pilot's view. He opened a side vent window and regained visibility. The pilot chose to land on a nearby landing strip. During the landing roll, the pilot realized that the strip was short and wet, so he intentionally placed the airplane in a "ground slide." Before the airplane came to a stop, its left wing struck a fence post, which caused structural damage to the airplane. The pilot reported that, during his postaccident examination of the airplane, he observed a crack in the engine case near the rear cylinder on the engine's left side. No further examination was accomplished.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11LA340 for the full record.