Accident Sequence
The airplane was performing a forced landing on an interstate highway when it collided with a truck. The total loss of engine power occurred after the pilot added throttle while the manifold pressure gauge indicated about 20 inches of manifold pressure. The engine sputtered and subsequently lost all power.
Pilot Actions
Prior to landing, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the fullest tank. He scanned the cockpit gauges, including the cylinder head temperature gauge, and noted no anomalies. As the airplane descended to pattern altitude, he added throttle to maintain level flight. When the engine lost power at a low altitude, the pilot realized the airplane could not reach the airport. He began searching for suitable terrain and, being in a congested area, opted to land in the grassy median between freeway lanes.
Post-Accident Examination
The airplane was last flown 3 days prior to the accident, and afterward the fuel tanks were filled to capacity. Post-accident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of a preimpact malfunction or failure.