Accident Description
During a flight, one of the pilots performed a negative G maneuver. The aircraft entered a climb and then transitioned into a descent via a push-over. On the back side of the maneuver, the pilot reduced throttle to maintain airspeed. When the throttle was subsequently advanced, the engine did not respond. Emergency procedures were initiated but the engine could not be restarted.
A night landing was executed in a wooded area. The aircraft sustained extensive damage.
Post-Accident Findings
Inspection after the accident revealed that little fuel remained in the aircraft. However, note that fuel had drained from the fuel system following the accident.
A check of the magnetos showed that one magneto produced no spark, while the other generated only a weak spark.
Magneto Examination
The magnetos were disassembled for further examination. Both magnetos were found to have loose distributor blocks. Additionally, large amounts of carbon had accumulated inside both magneto cases, though no evidence of carbon arcing was detected.