Accident Overview
The pilot of the affected aircraft reported that the engine lost power without warning while cruising at 10,500 feet, approximately 20 minutes after departure. With no advance indication of trouble, the pilot initiated an immediate forced landing.
Forced Landing
Selecting a dirt road as the landing site, the pilot executed the approach and initial touchdown successfully. However, about 120 feet beyond the touchdown point, the right wing struck a yucca cactus plant. The aircraft continued its rollout, and shortly thereafter the left wing contacted a cactus plant. The impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse.
Engine Examination
An external inspection of the engine revealed a bulge and a crack in the upper engine case in the vicinity of the #1 cylinder. The specific reason for the internal engine failure could not be determined during the examination.