Incident Details
The pilot reported hearing a sudden change in engine sounds while airborne, indicating that the muffler had failed. At the time, the aircraft was flying approximately 1,000 feet above ground level. In response, the pilot initiated a descent to 250 feet. Subsequently, heat and flames began entering the cockpit through the cabin heat inlet duct.
Emergency Landing and Aftermath
The pilot executed an emergency landing in a soft sandy pasture that had a slight incline. Upon touchdown, the nose gear strut separated just above the wheel, causing the aircraft to flip inverted. The aircraft was then quickly consumed by fire. The pilot escaped with serious burn injuries, while the passenger sustained minor burn injuries.