Accident Overview
The airplane experienced a loss of engine power during a night flight, leading to a forced landing. The pilot reported that the engine was running so rough that it felt as if it had half a propeller. He additionally stated that he could not read the airspeed indicator or altimeter during the event.
Approach and Landing
The pilot circled twice over an unlit gravel road before attempting to land. He touched down on the road twice before the airplane impacted a sign. The pilot made the landing with 15 degrees of flaps, rather than full flaps, because the vibration required both hands to fly the aircraft.
Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the engine oil dipstick guide tube was loose. This condition resulted in a loss of engine oil.
Pilot Statements
The pilot provided the account of the flight and landing. He indicated that the roughness and vibration made it impossible to read instruments and necessitated a flap setting of 15 degrees.