Incident
During a night cruise flight conducted under visual flight rules (VFR), the engine reportedly stopped operating. In the subsequent forced landing attempt, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall and then collided with the terrain in a steep, nose-down attitude.
Investigation
Post-crash examination and an engine run test revealed that six of the twelve ignition harness wire circuits were open between the magnetos and the spark plugs. The engine was capable of running on a test stand, but three cylinders were found to be cold to the touch after the test run. Continuity of the engine was established, and the magnetos operated satisfactorily when tested on a bench.
The ignition harness appeared old and worn. Additionally, the airplane had accumulated only 41 flight hours in the four years preceding the accident.