Incident Overview
During climb to cruise flight at approximately 2,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), the engine of the aircraft failed. The pilot initially attempted to turn back toward the departure airport but, realizing the distance was too great, instead chose to perform a forced landing.
Sequence of Events
The pilot landed the aircraft in a grassy area adjacent to a large highway. The aircraft touched down at about a 45-degree angle relative to the road. After touchdown, the aircraft crossed an access road, then two traffic lanes of the main highway, proceeded across the median strip, and finally came to rest after entering the two opposite traffic lanes. While stopped, a vehicle contacted the right wing of the aircraft, knocking it off the aircraft.
Aftermath
The vehicle received minor damage. The two occupants of the vehicle, along with the pilot, sustained minor injuries.
Investigation
A postaccident run-up of the engine was conducted. This test did not disclose any mechanical failure or malfunction.