Incident Overview
A pilot was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) practice instrument landing system (ILS) approach when, approximately 4 nautical miles from the runway, he reported to air traffic control (ATC) a loss of engine power. In his final transmission, the pilot stated that he had a turf airstrip underneath him. The aircraft had been airborne for approximately 45 minutes at the time of the incident.
Witness Observations
A witness, who was a certified pilot, reported observing the airplane enter a steep right turn with a 30 to 40 degree nose-low attitude. The witness described the maneuver as resembling a spin entry.
Aftermath
Several residents of the private residential airpark heard a loud noise and subsequently located the downed aircraft. They noted the absence of fuel fumes at the accident scene, and there was no postimpact fire. Aerial photographs indicated that the private airstrip was bordered on two sides by two 180-acre plots of open crop land, with no obstacles present.