Incident Overview
An aircraft experienced a loss of engine power during cruise flight, leading to a forced landing in a pasture. During the landing, the aircraft collided with a fence, and the nose gear dug into the ground during rollout, causing it to collapse.
Flight Details
The pilot had initially departed from Oregon City and flown to Evergreen Airport to refuel the aircraft, with the intention of returning to Oregon City. After fueling, the pilot began the return flight. Early in the flight, the engine began sputtering, prompting the forced landing.
Pre-Accident Fuel Condition
The aircraft had been parked outdoors at Evergreen Airport throughout the winter. At that time, the main wing tanks contained only 2 gallons of fuel, while the fuselage tank was kept full. The fuselage tank provided a trouble-free flight to Evergreen, where the main tanks were filled. The pilot reported that he kept minimal fuel in the wing tanks at Oregon City due to concerns about fuel theft. He did not check the tanks for water after fueling.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, the gascolator bowl was drained, yielding approximately one teaspoon of water. No water was found in the fuel supply at Evergreen Airport.
Probable Cause
The source does not provide an explicit statement of probable cause.