They decided to get the plane down as soon as possible and found a level piece of sand near the river levee where Ann was able to nurse it down with some power and make a normal landing. Brad noted the location and returned home to get help and a trailer. It was dark by the time we found her waiting beside the road, to where she had taxied the plane.

I took the engine to Mark Smith who took the heads and cylinders off and found the bottom ring of both pisonts stuck, one so tight that it could only be removed in pieces. Both pistons were darkened more than half way down on the sides indicating considerable blow-by and the probable cause of engine cutout and high EGT and CHT.

Mark said that when pistons are brown or black below the rings, which can be seen through the exhaust ports, it is an indication of sticking rings and time for an engine tear-down, cleaning and possible overhaul. Fortunately the cylinders were OK so he is recommending two new pistons, rings and all new seals since the engine has about 240 hours on it and is at least 8 years old. All other components of the engine are to be examined for wear and possible damage during overhaul. Hopefully after the repairs, we will then have a like-new Rotax 503 to fly again.

I guess the moral of this story is watch for good landing places, high EGT and CHT during flights and darkened piston sides and stuck piston rings during regular engine inspections.

Ann reports that the mosquitoes near the river at night are big and hungry. She considers the incident just part of the fun of flying and continues to pilot another unit.