Primary finding
Probable cause
A loss of engine power due to an overheated engine as a result of a malfunction of the modified engine cooling system, necessitating a forced landing on unsuitable terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot said the flight was made to test a new cooling modification on the engine. The engine soon began overheating and seized when the airplane was on the base leg of the traffic pattern, forcing the pilot to land short of the runway in loose dirt. The impact crushed the outboard portion of the left wing and buckled the upper skin of the right wing.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot said the flight was made to test a new cooling modification on the engine. The engine soon began overheating and seized when the airplane was on base leg. The pilot forced to land short of runway 29 in loose dirt. The impact crushed the outboard portion of the left wing and buckled the upper skin of the right wing.