Incident Overview
A commercial pilot, flying a single-engine aircraft, leveled off at 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and reduced the throttle to cruise power. Immediately after the reduction, engine power decreased to idle revolutions per minute (RPM). The pilot applied full throttle, but the power remained at idle RPM. A forced landing was executed straight ahead to terrain deemed unsuitable for landing.
Landing and Post-Impact Sequence
During touchdown, the main landing gear made contact with furrows in the field that ran perpendicular to the landing direction. The impact caused the main landing gear to separate from the aircraft. The airplane continued forward, struck a ditch, and subsequently nosed over.
Investigation Findings
An examination of the wreckage by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was conducted to identify the reason for the partial loss of engine power. The investigation failed to reveal any mechanical or other cause for the power reduction to idle after the throttle was set to cruise power.
Conclusion
No determination of the contributing factors to the power loss could be made. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the forced landing and subsequent ground impact.