Incident Overview
A pilot was forced to land an aircraft after experiencing an in-flight engine failure. According to the pilot's statement, the engine began sputtering and running rough while the aircraft was approximately 10 miles west of Harrison Airport. Unable to restore full power, the pilot attempted to glide to Tapan Airpark, a grass landing strip.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft touched down approximately 300 feet short of the intended landing area. During the landing roll, it struck a furrow, which caused damage to the aircraft. After the incident, an A&P mechanic conducted an inspection of the aircraft.
Determination of Cause
The A&P mechanic determined that ice had formed in the fuel lines, which resulted in fuel starvation to the engine. This condition led to the loss of engine power and the subsequent forced landing.