What happened
The pilot was conducting a one-mile descent toward his home airport when the aircraft's engine lost power and subsequently stopped completely. In response to the mechanical failure, the pilot initiated a 270-degree turn in an attempt to execute an emergency landing in a nearby field.
While the aircraft was established on short final approach, the left landing gear contacted a power line. This impact caused the aircraft to fall vertically approximately 20 feet before striking the ground.
The investigation
An on-scene inspection of the aircraft revealed that the fuel tanks and carburetor contained sufficient fuel at the time of the incident. This finding indicates that fuel exhaustion was not the cause of the engine failure.
Findings
The sequence of events began with an unexplained loss of engine power during the final phase of flight. The pilot's subsequent maneuver to reach a suitable landing area resulted in the left landing gear striking an obstruction, specifically a power line. This contact led to a vertical descent and ground impact.