Primary finding
Probable cause
The complete loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident were hidden obstructions (tree stumps) in the field of long grass within which the pilot executed his forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was just turning onto the downwind leg when the airplane's engine suddenly lost power without warning. The pilot was unable to get the engine to restart and he selected what looked like a level field of tall grass for his emergency forced landing. Just after touching down in the field, the airplane hit a number of tree stumps that had been hidden by the tall grass. The impact sequence resulted in extensive damage to the fuselage, wings, and landing gear. A post-accident inspection of the engine, fuel system, and air induction system determined that the fuel tanks were nearly full, and that there were no apparent anomalies that would have contributed to a loss of engine power.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot, who was conducting a flight in the local traffic pattern, was just turning onto the downwind leg when the airplane's engine suddenly quit without warning. Being unable to get the engine to restart, he selected what looked to him like a nearby level field of tall grass for his emergency forced landing. Just after touching down in the field, the airplane hit a number of tree stumps that had been hidden by the tall grass. The impact sequence resulted in extensive damage to the fuselage, wings, and landing gear. A post-accident inspection of the engine, fuel system, and air induction system determined that the fuel tanks were nearly full, and that there were no apparent anomalies that would have contributed to a loss of engine power.