Incident Overview
A pilot was conducting a VFR approach in dusk light conditions when she experienced a complete loss of engine power. The airplane was on the downwind leg at 1,100 feet above ground level, abeam the runway numbers, at the time the landing gear was extended. Simultaneously, a loud bang was heard, and engine power was lost. The pilot advanced the throttle but realized the engine had lost total power.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated that she trimmed the airplane to attain best glide speed but did not verify the airspeed during the ensuing forced landing. She noted that the airplane was descending "too fast" and that she needed "more trim to relieve back pressure, but decided to muscle it as best [she] could and try not to stall the airplane." Subsequently, the airplane's nose wheel contacted a cement drainage ditch at the approach end of the runway.
Aftermath and Examination
Following the accident, the engine was test run in the airframe and found to operate within the manufacturer's specifications. No other anomalies were reported.