Incident Overview
The pilot initiated a flight from Ozark, Arkansas, with the intended destination of Sedalia, Missouri. Approximately 150 miles into the journey, the engine began exhibiting intermittent performance issues. The pilot reported that the engine would miss, run for a period, and then miss again.
Emergency Landing
As the aircraft passed over Windsor, Missouri, the engine failure became continuous. The pilot identified an "X-out strip" located north of Windsor. After conducting a low pass to assess the terrain, the pilot noted that while the field was rough, he felt there were no other viable options for landing.
Crash Sequence
The pilot touched down on the left side of the runway. Upon impact, the aircraft stopped immediately and overturned. The pilot stated a belief that the plane struck an object during the touchdown, which contributed to the immediate stop and subsequent rollover.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the incident, an examination of the aircraft revealed that 3.5 gallons of fuel remained in the tanks. A thorough inspection of the engine and other remaining airplane systems did not reveal any mechanical anomalies or pre-existing defects.