What happened
The incident occurred shortly after the airplane departed from a privately owned airstrip. Immediately following departure, the engine began running roughly before experiencing a complete loss of power. The pilot attempted to execute an emergency landing in a nearby cultivated open field. Upon touchdown, the main wheels sank into the soft terrain, causing the aircraft to nosed over.
The investigation
A post-acc examination of the aircraft's engine was conducted to determine the cause of the power loss. The inspection revealed that an intake valve had fractured during operation. This mechanical failure is consistent with the reported rough running and subsequent loss of power experienced by the pilot during the initial climb phase.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the structural failure of the engine's intake valve. The fracture led to a catastrophic loss of engine power, leaving the pilot with no option but to land in an unprepared area. The soft ground conditions of the cultivated field exacerbated the damage by causing the nose gear to collapse upon impact.