Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reason. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
As the private pilot approached the airport, he turned the single-engine airplane away from the airport, in order to land behind another aircraft. As the pilot circled to re-enter base leg to the runway, the airplane's engine lost power. The pilot established a glide and tried to restart the engine. The pilot reported that the engine would turn freely, but did not restart, so he elected to perform a forced landing in a pasture. An examination of the airplane's engine, failed to identify a reason for the loss of engine power.
Source record
Factual narrative
As the private pilot approached the airport, he turned the single-engine aircraft way from the airport, in order to land behind another aircraft. As the pilot circled to re-enter base leg to the runway, the aircraft engine lost power. The pilot established a glide and tried to restart the engine. The pilot reported that the engine would turn freely, but did not restart, so he elected to perform a forced landing in a pasture. An examination of the aircraft's engine, failed to identify a reason for the loss of engine power.