Accident Overview
An aircraft experienced a loss of engine power during a planned descent, forcing the pilot to execute a landing in a field. The landing gear collapsed upon touchdown on rough, soft terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that while descending from 3,000 to 2,000 feet, he retarded the throttle and applied carburetor heat. Shortly thereafter, the engine ceased to operate. The aircraft was not equipped with an electrical starting system, which prevented the pilot from restarting the engine in flight. With no means to restore power, the pilot conducted a forced landing in a nearby field. The surface conditions were rough and soft, causing the landing gear to collapse during the landing roll and inflicting substantial damage to the aircraft's fuselage.
Investigation Findings
Following the accident, a detailed examination of the engine was conducted. No evidence of any mechanical failure or malfunction was found. The pilot also indicated that there were no preexisting mechanical issues with the aircraft. Despite the inspection, no specific cause for the loss of engine power could be determined.