Pilot Report
The pilot stated that before the flight, he had taken two Sominex tablets but was unable to sleep despite being very tired. After takeoff, he thought he was heading southeast but later realized he was actually going northeast.
Engine Issue and Off-Airport Landing
The pilot reported that the engine began to sputter and backfire, prompting him to land in a cow pasture. During the landing, the aircraft struck a three-wire barbed wire fence. After landing, he ran the engine several times and it operated normally, leading him to believe that a fuel blockage had cleared. He reportedly inspected the aircraft for damage and considered it airworthy.
Return Flight and Landing Incident
He then took off and returned to the departure airport. After arriving, he inadvertently landed on a parallel taxiway beside Runway 18L. On approach, the tower transmitted a warning about the situation and instructed the pilot to go around. The pilot stated that he did not hear the transmission.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported the odor of beer in the aircraft and found the carpet wet with beer. The aircraft had been damaged during the off-airport landing.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was stated in the source.