What happened
The flight instructor reported that while cruising at approximately 2000 feet above ground level, the aircraft engine began losing power. With limited options available, he elected to land on a narrow highway bordered by trees in an attempt to avoid more hazardous terrain. During the landing roll, the wind blew the aircraft off the asphalt surface. The nose wheel encountered sandy terrain adjacent to the road, causing the aircraft to nose over.
The investigation
During the post-accident investigation, the engine was removed from the airframe and placed on an engine stand for an operational check. The engine started and ran to full power with no indication of a failure or malfunction during this test. This suggests the loss of power in flight may have been transient or related to factors not evident during static testing.
Findings
The flight instructor reported that the wind was from 180 degrees at 15 knots. Approximately 15 miles northwest at Bartow, Florida, the 1350 wind was from 140 degrees at 4 knots. The crosswind component during the landing appears to have contributed to the aircraft departing the paved surface.
Safety message
Pilots should consider the potential for crosswinds and soft ground when selecting emergency landing sites, particularly on narrow roads bordered by trees or uneven terrain.