Engine Failure
The pilot was cruising at 3,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) when a loud pop was heard. The engine subsequently began running rough and missing. The pilot responded by pulling the mixture control and throttle, shutting the engine down.
Forced Landing
After the engine was shut down, the pilot initiated a search for a suitable landing area. The pilot considered landing on Interstate 95 (I-95) but the highway was crowded with traffic. A field was selected as an alternative landing site.
Collision with Ditch
During the approach to the selected field, a ditch was not observed until it was too late to avoid it. The aircraft collided with the ditch during the forced landing.
The accident investigation source states that the aircraft collided with a ditch during a forced landing.