Accident Details
The 800-hour private pilot was flying a single-engine airplane on a cross-country trip. According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot departed with 6 gallons of fuel on board, intending to refuel at another airport approximately 40 miles away. About 10 miles from the departure point, while cruising at 2,500 feet mean sea level (msl), the engine began to sputter, described by the pilot as "coughing." The pilot decided to turn back toward the departure airport. When the airplane was approximately 2 miles from the airport, the engine lost power. The pilot then chose to execute a forced landing to an open pasture parallel to an interstate highway.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that during the forced landing, while on short final approach, the airplane encountered wind shear. This resulted in a hard landing. No further details about the landing or the condition of the airplane or occupants were provided in the source.
Weather Conditions
The reported wind conditions at the time of the accident were from 300 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 40 knots. The source does not specify the time of day or any other weather phenomena.