Accident Overview
The airplane experienced an in-flight loss of engine power during the initial climbout phase. The subsequent forced landing into a corn field resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft upon impact with vegetation and terrain. The pilot and a pilot-rated passenger onboard were not injured.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that between 250 and 400 feet above ground level (AGL), airspeed began to decay and the climb rate decreased rapidly. The aircraft's pitch attitude was continually reduced in an effort to maintain flying speed. Control became difficult, described as "mushy," and a return to the runway seemed impossible as altitude decreased quickly. When the aircraft was estimated to be below 200 feet AGL, the pilot turned into the wind toward the best available field, avoided obstacles, and landed in a corn field.
Mechanical Malfunction
The pilot identified the mechanical issue as a failure of the intake valve spring on cylinder number 5. The spring failure allowed the intake valve to remain open, which disrupted the normal function of the engine, leading to the power loss.