Incident Overview
A pilot with approximately 700 hours of flight experience was conducting a short cross-country flight. About 30 minutes after takeoff, while in cruise flight, the engine stopped producing power. The pilot elected to perform an emergency landing on a feeder road adjacent to a four-lane state highway.
Landing and Wing Strike
During the landing roll on the feeder road, the left wing collided with a signpost located on the shoulder of the road. The impact sheared off the left wing just outboard of the wing-walk area. After the collision, the airplane continued its rollout and ultimately came to rest upright in a muddy field.
Fuel Examination
Following the accident, an examination of the fuel system revealed a small amount of blue liquid resembling avgas. Approximately one-fourth cup of this liquid was drained from the right wing fuel tank. No fuel was observed in the left wing fuel tank. Additionally, about one teaspoon of blue liquid was drained from the carburetor.