Incident Description
A commercial pilot with 821 hours of flight experience lost engine power while cruising at 2,500 feet mean sea level, approximately 25 miles west of the intended destination. The pilot executed a forced landing onto a service road on Interstate 10. During the landing roll, strong gusting crosswinds prevented the pilot from maintaining directional control, and the airplane collided with a metal fence post and mesquite trees.
Pilot Actions
While en route, the pilot observed the oil temperature gauge indicating 240 degrees Fahrenheit, exceeding the red line of 145 degrees. He reduced engine rpm from 2,400 to 2,200 and increased the mixture setting, after which the oil temperature began to decrease. Shortly thereafter, the engine suddenly began losing power. The pilot increased the mixture to full rich and applied carburetor heat, but the engine continued to lose power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot conducted the forced landing.
Post-accident Examination
Examination of the spark plugs revealed that the #2 and #4 plugs were oily, while the #1 and #3 plugs appeared white. The oil, which had been changed approximately 8 flight hours before the accident, was dark in color.
Pilot Statement
When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot reported: "I probably leaned engine too much too long causing the oil temp to reach 240 degrees. Run aircraft more rich to provide better cooling to internal combustion chambers."
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at an airport approximately 17 miles from the accident site indicated wind from 130 degrees at 17 knots, gusting to 24 knots.