Incident Description
During cruise flight, the pilot reported a partial loss of engine power. In an effort to restore normal operation, the pilot applied carburetor heat, switched magnetos, and adjusted the mixture, but these actions did not resolve the issue.
Emergency Landing
Faced with continued power loss, the pilot decided to perform an emergency landing in a newly mowed hay field. The field provided at least 1,500 feet of available landing distance. However, during the landing rollout, the airplane struck a fence located at the edge of the field, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Engine Examination
Following the incident, an FAA inspector examined the engine. The inspection revealed a lack of compression and a stuck exhaust valve on the forward/right cylinder.