Incident Summary
While cruising at 2,500 feet above mean sea level, the pilot reported that the engine began running roughly. Approximately 30 seconds later, the engine lost all power. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot contacted Houston Center and received radar vectors to Skydive Houston Airport.
Landing Attempt
The pilot overshot the airport and executed a maneuver to land perpendicular to the runway. About 20 yards before the initial touchdown point, the aircraft's right wing struck a tree. The aircraft came to rest in an upright position between two hangars, approximately 20 to 30 yards beyond the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
Inspection of the airplane revealed evidence of usable fuel in the system. A subsequent teardown of the engine disclosed no mechanical anomalies that could have caused the power loss. The aircraft had not been flown for three years prior to the accident. The pilot, who had recently purchased the airplane, had applied for and received a ferry permit for this flight.