Incident Summary
At 6,500 feet, the pilot reported the engine began to run rough and the rpm dropped from 2400 to 2100. Carburetor heat was applied. The pilot executed a 180-degree turn and established a glide at 89 mph. The best landing site identified was a strip located 5 to 6 miles south of the point where the engine problem occurred.
Pilot Actions and Landing
The pilot stated that flaps were applied and the landing was misjudged. The aircraft landed in a field 75 to 100 feet west of the airstrip, in rows of crops. The terrain in the area was level except for the rows, which were oriented at a 10- to 15-degree angle relative to the airstrip. After touchdown, the airplane nosed into dirt and came to rest in a nose-low attitude.
Examination Findings
Post-incident examination of the engine revealed mechanical continuity, fuel, spark, and compression were present. No apparent reason for the power loss was determined.