Incident Overview
An instructor pilot was conducting ground maneuvers at approximately 6,000 feet above mean sea level when the engine began running roughly. The instructor reported that they were unable to maintain altitude, and while attempting to return to the airport, the engine quit entirely. A forced landing was executed in a snow-covered field.
Landing and Damage
During the landing roll, the airplane's nose landing gear contacted the snow, causing the aircraft to nose over. The nose landing gear was displaced aft, leading to buckling of the firewall. Additionally, the empennage was buckled just aft of the rear window, and the vertical stabilizer was crushed. The instructor noted that the field was covered with over a foot of snow.
Engine Examination
A subsequent examination of the engine revealed a hole in the number 1 piston and a fractured exhaust valve for the number 1 cylinder.
No Injuries Reported
The source did not specify any injuries.