Incident Overview
During a landing approach, the pilot reduced power on left downwind to configure the airplane for landing, at which point the engine began to run rough. The pilot reapplied power, and the engine smoothed out. A second reduction in power caused the engine to run rough again. After reapplying power, the pilot raised the nose to slow to landing gear operating speed. The landing gear was lowered, and flaps were extended to 10 degrees.
Sequence of Events
With the runway in sight and assured of a landing, the pilot turned base and reduced power again. The engine then quit completely. The airplane landed 300 to 350 feet short of the runway on a grassy extension, subsequently proceeding through a rocky area approximately 6 inches below the level of the runway.
Damage and FAA Findings
An FAA inspector reported that the distance from the threshold ground level to the overrun pavement surface—6 inches—exceeds the recommended maximum of 3 inches, and stated that this contributed to the substantial damage sustained by the aircraft. Impact with the lip of the runway knocked the nose gear back, damaged the right main gear, and bent the propeller.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have prevented normal operation.