Incident Overview
A pilot was ferrying an aircraft for its new owner when the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot initiated a precautionary landing, but during the descent the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a corn field, and during the landing roll the aircraft nosed over.
Investigation Findings
Investigators were unable to locate any logbooks for the aircraft, and the date of the last annual inspection could not be determined. There was no record of a ferry permit having been requested for the flight.
Engine Examination
Examination of the engine revealed that the right magneto was inoperative. The left magneto was deteriorated and would short out and fail when brought up to operating temperature. A magneto airworthiness directive (AD) issued in 1973 had not been complied with.
Conclusion
The investigation did not assign a probable cause statement, but documented the magneto deficiencies and the absence of required maintenance records and permits.