Incident Overview
According to the pilot, the aircraft's engine began running rough during flight, then cleared and ran smoothly again. The pilot elected to abort the flight and made a turn. Several minutes later, the engine lost power.
Emergency Landing
During an emergency landing in a parking lot, the left main landing gear struck an automobile, fatally injuring the driver. Before coming to rest on an embankment, the aircraft also struck two other automobiles and a guy wire.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported that the aircraft was circling the area before the engine lost power. A friend of the pilot was living approximately two blocks from the accident site.
Post-Accident Findings
No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found. During a post-accident check, the engine operated normally. An investigation revealed conditions were conducive to carburetor icing. The pilot made no mention of specifically using carburetor heat during the emergency.
Additionally, the placard for the fuel selector was designed to restrict movement of the selector to the left and right positions (no 'off' position), but the placard was found outside the aircraft with no damage. The fuel selector was found in a position that would have shut off fuel to the engine. The pilot reported that he shut off the fuel when he was committed to land.
Flight Time
The flight time since the last annual inspection was 4.4 hours.