Forced Landing in Marsh After Engine Power Loss (N823DA)

Incident Overview and Immediate Response During the flight, the pilot-rated passenger conducted the takeoff and downwind departure. As the engine power was reduced to cruise, the engine lost power. A commercial pilot immediately assumed control of the aircraft but was unable to restore engine power. The pilot set up for a forced landing on a road; however, a vehicle on the road prevented the landing. The commercial pilot then side-stepped the airplane and performed a forced landing in the adjacent marsh. During ground roll, the nose wheel collapsed and the airplane nosed over. ## Investigation Findings and Technical Examination Fuel system continuity was confirmed with no evidence of contamination observed. The engine was test run, utilizing the airplane fuel system. However, the engine power was kept low due to damaged engine mounts and vibration. The carburetor was examined and found to run rich at all power settings. The richness varied from 17 percent at idle to 2 1/2 percent at takeoff power.