Incident Overview
A pilot experienced a loss of engine power and rough running at an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet. He elected to land on a road that ran perpendicular to a highway. The airplane touched down on the road but was heading toward the intersection where sheriff's deputies were working a motor vehicle accident.
Attempted Go-Around and Collision
As the airplane approached the activity at the highway intersection, the pilot attempted to take off to avoid hitting vehicles and people. He entered a steep climb to avoid a power line, then the airplane descended nose first into trees. The pilot stated that the road surface was 'slippery,' which made it 'hard to stop.' He noticed people still on the road and tried to avoid them by taking off and flying over the highway. The pilot reported, '...unfortunately since we lost speed in the landing, we didn't have enough power and we stalled into the trees.'
Engine Examination
The engine was examined and partially disassembled. The examination revealed that the #4 cylinder exhaust valve was broken off at the base of the stem and was found in the combustion chamber. The bottom part of the valve was retrieved from inside the muffler, along with pieces of the valve seat. Damage from the valve was found on the cylinder head and piston top, and a hole was found in the top of the piston.
Further examination of the broken valve stem showed it was pitted and corroded. Additionally, the engine showed signs of having been operated at high temperatures for a considerable length of time. External examination revealed corrosion on the exterior of the steel cylinder barrels, and paint on the cylinder heads was blistered and peeled. The ignition system harness was worn and tattered.
Engine log books indicated that the engine had been operated about 700 hours past the manufacturer's recommended overhaul time.