Incident Summary
A pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power approximately 25 minutes into a flight. The engine rpm dropped abruptly from 2,350 to zero. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful, prompting the pilot to carry out a forced landing onto a dirt road.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that after touchdown, the road curved slightly to the right, causing the airplane to bounce and become airborne again. The aircraft yawed to the right, and when the pilot straightened it, a second touchdown occurred, left of the road centerline on the dirt road and shoulder. A perpendicular bar ditch, which had been graded to drain into an adjacent field, was struck. The impact caused the nose gear to fail, bringing the airplane to a stop.
Examination Findings
An on-scene inspection revealed that the nose wheel had been broken aft, the lower cowling crushed upward, and the engine and engine mounts bent upward. The lower firewall was also bent upward and aft. Flight control continuity was confirmed. Examination of the engine showed a broken left magneto impulse coupling and a jammed magneto drive gear. The adjacent camshaft gear displayed four broken teeth. Milled metal debris was found around the drive coupling and camshaft gear. No other anomalies were noted.