Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that after takeoff, turning off the electric fuel boost pump caused the engine to lose about 300 rpm. Restoring the pump restored power. While turning onto final approach, the pilot aligned with the wrong runway and initiated a go-around. During the go-around, the engine popped and then reduced to idle power. Unable to return to the airport, the pilot landed in a field. During the landing rollout, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the pilot struck his head when the shoulder harness failed to lock.
Postcrash Examination
The airplane received minor damage, and the pilot was hospitalized for a head injury. A postcrash engine run-up with the electric boost pump both on and off showed no evidence of failure or malfunction. The pilot's shoulder harness was found stowed after the accident; it locked normally when subjected to pull tests.
Pilot Background
The pilot was operating under a court order dated June 4, 1998, that prohibited operating aircraft. The pilot was scheduled to surrender to authorities in the State of Connecticut on the day of the accident to begin serving a prison sentence.