Incident Summary
A pilot reported that while cruising at 9,500 feet mean sea level (MSL), he encountered low broken clouds. To ensure continued visual flight rules (VFR) operation, he decided to descend below the cloud layer. The pilot retarded the throttle and descended to 7,000 feet MSL, which was approximately 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL).
Pilot Report
When the pilot advanced the throttle at 7,000 feet MSL, the engine ceased operating. He switched fuel tanks in an attempt to restore power, but the engine did not restart. The pilot stated that the engine had been leaned to best cruise power at 9,500 feet and that the mixture was not enriched prior to the descent or during the subsequent restart attempt.
Forced Landing
An off-airport forced landing was necessary. The aircraft touched down with the landing gear retracted in rocky terrain.