What happened
The pilot reported that during a VFR approach to the airport of intended landing, the aircraft engine experienced a sudden and complete loss of power while operating at reduced throttle settings. This failure occurred on a dark night, necessitating an off-airport forced landing.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft. They confirmed that fuel was present in both the main fuel tanks. Additionally, when the engine was started post-accident, it operated without any noted anomalies or irregularities.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the incident was the total loss of engine power during the approach phase. The presence of fuel and the lack of mechanical issues upon restart suggest the failure may have been transient or related to operational factors rather than a permanent mechanical defect.