On March 6, 2000, approximately 1517 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N8170W, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Richland, Washington, after a loss of power. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. No flight plan was filed for the local flight, which had departed Pasco, Washington, about 1510. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. There was no report of ELT actuation. The pilot reported experiencing an engine problem, and attempted to perform a forced landing on highway 240. During the landing roll, the airplane rolled into a gully, substantially damaging a wing. Preliminary inspection by FAA inspectors revealed that number 3 and number 4 cylinders could not be removed due to barrel damage. Number 4 piston did not move when the crankshaft was rotated, and extensive metal particles were evident within the crankcase. The connecting rod was determined to have failed.