Incident Overview
An aircraft en route suffered a progressive engine power loss that culminated in a total loss of power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a small clearing. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear struck a large rock, causing the gear to fail. The failed gear punctured a hole in the fuel tank. The aircraft came to a stop near the edge of a cliff.
Post-Landing Events
After the aircraft stopped, the pilot observed a trail of flame approximately 8 inches wide approaching the aircraft. He jumped out over the wing and down the cliff. Moments later, two loud explosions occurred. The aircraft was subsequently consumed by a post-crash fire and was completely destroyed.
Pilot Survival
The pilot remained with the wreckage until the following day, then decided to walk out. He became disoriented and spent three days in the mountains before reaching help. The accident site was at an elevation of approximately 9,500 feet.