Accident Overview
The aircraft sustained substantial damage after a forced landing into crops and terrain. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported being uninjured.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he initially believed he had the runway made and set up for a slightly wide base leg to lose excess altitude. On final approach, the approach appeared good but slightly high, so he lowered 10 degrees of flaps. He then observed that the glide would be short. Realizing he would not make the runway, he banked slightly to the left in an attempt to land in a soybean field east of the corn field he was over. Just before impact, he flared slightly, but the aircraft struck the corn field and nosed over, landing on its back. The pilot exited the aircraft and was uninjured.
On-Scene Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector performed an on-scene examination of the wreckage. The inspector's report noted that prior to an engine test run and after the aircraft was turned right side up, approximately one teaspoon of water was drained from the fuel sumps. Possible fuel contamination was suspected. A static engine test run was conducted and was found to be satisfactory.