Accident Summary
A single-engine airplane experienced a loss of engine power while in flight, prompting the pilot to execute a forced landing on a narrow road. According to the pilot, the engine began running rough, and he switched fuel tanks. This action, he reported, resulted in further deterioration of engine performance. The pilot selected a road oriented to the south for the landing. During the landing, the aircraft touched down hard. The left main wheel caught the edge of the roadside, causing the airplane to veer into the left ditch and come to rest on its nose. The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the forced landing.
Examination Findings
A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that only unusable fuel remained in the fuel tanks. No other anomalies were found with respect to the airframe, engine, or any systems that could be linked to a pre-impact condition.