Incident Overview
A pilot on a flight to obtain aerial photographs elected to land in a pasture to discuss a survey problem with personnel on the ground. He had previously checked the area by driving across it with a vehicle and felt it was satisfactory.
Flight Details
After making a low pass, the pilot began an approach at 70 mph. He reported the wind was from 276 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots.
Approach and Impact
According to the pilot, just prior to touchdown, he experienced an immediate and severe increase in his descent rate, accompanied by a loss of airspeed, and the stall warning horn sounded. He applied full power, but the aircraft impacted hard, short of the intended landing area. The aircraft bounced, hit a terrace, and stopped.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the nose gear, propeller, firewall, nose cowling, and lower fuselage.