Accident Details
The certificated private pilot was the sole occupant of the airplane, which was departing the airport for a personal local flight. Shortly after takeoff, at an altitude of about 200 feet above ground level, the engine began to sputter and lose power.
Emergency Landing
The pilot selected an emergency landing area on a road located at the departure end of the runway. However, power lines crossed the intended landing area, prompting the pilot to choose an adjacent road that ran parallel to an irrigation ditch. After successfully clearing the power lines, the airplane touched down on the road. During the landing roll, the left wing struck a sign, causing the airplane to swerve into the irrigation ditch.
Post-Accident Examination
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airplane and minor injuries to the pilot. A post-accident examination of the engine found that two cylinders had little or no compression. Both affected cylinders had valves that were stuck in the open position.