Engine Power Loss
During a climb through approximately 3,000 feet above ground level, the pilot reported that the engine began to misfire and subsequently lost almost all power. An attempt to restore normal engine power was unsuccessful.
Forced Landing
The pilot established a glide toward an abandoned airfield, but determined that the altitude was insufficient to reach it. Instead, the pilot executed a landing in a pasture. During the landing, the aircraft collided with bushes and hidden obstacles in the grass.
Post-Accident Findings
After the wreckage was recovered by technicians from an aircraft recovery firm, both magnetos were found loose in their clamps. A review of the logbooks indicated that the engine had accumulated 67 hours since a major overhaul, which was completed on May 1, 1997. No further maintenance entries were recorded after the overhaul.