Accident Overview
A private pilot was returning from a cross-country flight and had just leveled the airplane when she began to lean the fuel mixture. The engine RPM immediately decreased from 2400 to approximately 500. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot prepared for a forced landing.
Forced Landing Attempt
The right-seat passenger, who held a commercial pilot certificate, took control of the airplane for the landing due to his higher experience level. During the landing, the aircraft collided with a fence and a large dirt bank.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed that there was adequate fuel on board at the time of the accident. The engine was test run on the airframe after inspection of the accident site. The site survey identified numerous obstruction-free areas where a forced landing could have been successfully completed.
Analysis of Findings
No mechanical or fuel-related anomalies were discovered that would explain the power loss. The sudden RPM drop coincided precisely with the mixture leaning action. The engine test run did not reveal any pre-existing defects. The presence of multiple suitable landing areas underscores that the outcome was not dictated by a lack of landing options.