What happened
Following the completion of an annual inspection on March 1, 1994, the aircraft was performing its second flight since the maintenance was finalized. Shortly after departure, while maintaining an altitude of approximately 1700 feet, the engine ceased producing power.
The pilot performed an emergency landing into a freshly plowed field. During the course of the landing roll, the aircraft nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.
The investigation
An examination of the engine was conducted following the accident. Investigators discovered that a foreign object, which appeared to be a piece of electrical tape, was lodged within the carburetor bowl.
The pilot/owner noted that during a post-maintenance flight following the annual inspection, the mechanic had observed that the engine seemed to be missing power. At that time, the mechanic suspected there might be debris in the fuel lines or the carburetor but was unable to identify the specific source of the issue.