Accident Details
While in cruise flight at 2,500 feet mean sea level over an airpark, the airplane experienced a partial power loss. The pilot reduced power and applied carburetor heat before attempting a forced landing to the airpark. However, the airplane overshot the intended landing area and touched down in a wet plowed field beyond the end of the runway. During the landing rollout, the landing gear dug into the soft terrain, causing the airplane to flip over onto its back.
Engine Examination
Subsequent examination of the engine revealed that a piece of the number 3 exhaust valve had separated from the valve and had been ingested into the engine. Metallurgical analysis of the failed valve indicated that it had been subjected to high-temperature operation. However, the exact origin of the separation could not be determined because the fracture surfaces were masked by accumulated exhaust deposits and post-separation mechanical damage.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained structural damage during the nose-over event, with the gear digging into the soft ground and the airframe overturning. No other details about the extent of damage were specified in the source.
Flight History
The source does not provide information on the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, time of day, number of occupants, injuries, or whether air traffic control was involved. The narrative focuses solely on the sequence of events from the power loss to the final resting position of the airplane.