Primary finding
Probable cause
a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor associated with the accident was the unsuitable terrain on which to make the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated he added power to initiate the climb portion of his second touch and go landing when the engine did not seem to produce adequate power (1,000 rpm). He stated he then performed a 'straight ahead engine out type emergency landing.' The airplane nosed over upon contacting a corn crop during the landing. Post accident inspection and runup of the engine failed to reveal any anomalies which would have resulted in a loss of engine power.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 25, 1995, at 0900 central daylight time, a Cessna 170B, N4555C, flown by a private pilot nosed over in a corn field during a forced landing on takeoff from a grass strip in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. This was a local flight which originated approximately one hour prior to the acicdent. The pilot stated that after a local flight, he returned to the Oconomowoc Airstrip where he performed a touch and go on runway 09 (1,000 long, sod). He stated that after the second landing, he applied power and initiated a takeoff climb. He stated that the engine "did not seem to develope adequate power (tach aprx 1000 rpm)... ." He stated he performed a straight ahead emergency landing into a corn crop. The airplane nosed over during the landing. The airplane was inspected by a Federal Aviation Airworthiness Inspector who was able to start the engine and run it up to 1,950 to 2,000 rpm. -