Incident Details
Approximately 30 minutes into a local flight, the pilot reported hearing a popping noise followed by a loss of engine RPMs. The pilot attempted corrective actions including adjusting the mixture control, switching fuel tanks, and applying carburetor heat. When engine power was not restored, the pilot executed a forced landing on a gravel bar in a river. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during rollout, and the engine was still running at approximately 1000 RPM when the aircraft came to a stop.
Post-Accident Inspection
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors examined the aircraft after the accident. They found that the aircraft had not undergone an annual inspection in several years. Additionally, multiple mechanical discrepancies were noted, though none were determined to have precluded the engine from operating.