Incident Overview
A pilot elected to return to the departure airport after observing ice on the wing. However, he became disoriented and was unable to locate the airport. He then elected to make a precautionary landing on a road.
Events During Approach
While on the downwind leg of the approach, the engine lost power. The airplane touched down on the road at 120 miles per hour, causing the landing gear to collapse. The airplane subsequently slid through a fence before coming to a halt.
Pilot Background
According to the investigation, the pilot was not instrument rated and his medical certificate had expired. The pilot, who is also an aircraft mechanic, reported that he was unable to determine the cause of the power loss but suspected the airplane had been tampered with by person or persons he refused to name.