Solo aircraft destroyed after forced landing due to engine power loss (N5278H)

What happened

During a solo cross-country flight, the aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power after approximately 3.1 hours of flight time. The pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing on a short field that contained obstacles. In an effort to manage the approach and touchdown, the pilot elected to use only ten degrees of flaps for the landing configuration. This flap setting resulted in a longer ground roll than might have been possible with full flaps. Consequently, the airplane struck several objects before coming to rest on its nose against a tree. The aircraft was destroyed during the impact with these objects.

Findings

The investigation determined that the sequence of events began with the loss of engine power. The pilot's decision to use limited flap deflection contributed to the extended ground run in the confined landing area, leading to the collision with obstacles and the subsequent destruction of the airplane.