What happened
The pilot departed at approximately 1535 for local flight operations before intending to proceed to his residence in Edna, Texas. During the initial phase of the flight, he circled a baseball field three times to observe friends playing. Following this observation, he applied power and initiated a climb. Approximately thirty seconds into the ascent, the engine backfired and began sputtering. The pilot established a glide speed of 65 knots and attempted restart procedures, but the engine ceased operation entirely, causing the propeller to stop rotating. A grass field was selected for an emergency landing. On final approach, the aircraft was side-slipped. At approximately 50 feet above ground level, the pilot ran out of altitude and experienced a complete stall. The right wing dropped roughly 30 degrees prior to impact. The aircraft came to rest 25 to 30 feet from the initial point of contact.
The investigation
A post-acc examination of the engine revealed no discrepancies that would have prevented normal operation, except for specific damage to the exhaust system. The muffler baffles were found to be burned, and a hole was identified in the muffler itself. Additionally, it was noted that the left magneto failed to fire during the inspection. However, the engine operated successfully after the damaged carburetor was replaced.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates a sudden loss of power due to mechanical failure. The pilot's decision to circle and observe may have contributed to fuel management issues, but the physical evidence points to component failure. The left magneto failure and muffler damage were significant findings. The stall at low altitude resulted in minor structural damage.
Safety message
Pilots should ensure that pre-flight inspections include checking for exhaust system integrity and magneto functionality. Regular maintenance of carburetors and ignition systems is critical to preventing in-flight power loss.