Accident Sequence
The aircraft sustained substantial damage during a forced landing at a private airstrip. According to the pilot's statement, shortly after departure, approximately 3 miles west of the airstrip, the engine began to lose power. The pilot applied carburetor heat and checked the mixture, but engine performance did not improve. The pilot decided to return to the airstrip.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that, about half a mile from the airstrip, he reduced speed and extended 20 degrees of flaps. Approaching the threshold on a heading of 090 degrees, he added more flaps. The airplane remained in ground effect and did not touch down until about two-thirds of the way down the runway. Upon touchdown, the pilot retracted all flaps as the airplane slid on the grass and muddy surface. The airplane continued off the end of the runway, where the nose wheel struck a gravel road and separated. The aircraft then flipped over, coming to rest inverted in the roadside ditch.
The pilot stated that he chose a straight-in approach for a downwind landing due to the lack of available engine power, rising terrain, and two sets of power lines east of the airstrip. He noted that his approach speed was slightly fast.
Wind Conditions
The pilot's preflight weather briefing indicated winds from 240 degrees at 14 knots. Winds reported 20 nautical miles north of the accident site were from 330 degrees at 17 knots.
Post-Accident Examination
During the post-accident examination, no compression was obtained on engine cylinder number 2. The cylinder and piston were removed and inspected. The bottom edge of the number 2 piston head was eroded and burned, with damage extending past the piston rings and including a hole in the side of the piston. The piston and cylinder wall exhibited scoring in the direction of piston travel, and the piston rings were broken. The condition of the piston was consistent with pre-ignition.