Flight and Engine Failure
According to the pilot, following takeoff, he flew a left standard pattern and turned to the north, climbing to about 3,000 feet. Upon reaching altitude, he leveled off, retarded the throttle to cruise power, and turned off the fuel pump. At that moment, the engine began running rough, described as similar to a "magneto failure". He immediately turned the fuel pump back on and made a left standard turn back toward the runway. The engine continued to lose power, and he could get no response from the throttle.
Forced Landing
Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot attempted to glide to the runway but realized he would be short. He elected to land in a road intersection. He saw two sets of power wires in his path; he went over the first set but had to go under the second set. Unable to regain altitude, the aircraft impacted the ground thirty yards short of the road and slid through the intersection.
Damage and Examination
The damage consisted of the left wing, left main landing gear, nose gear, engine mount, firewall, and tearing of the bottom right wing lower skin. Examination of the engine by the FAA found fuel in the gascolator and carburetor bowl, with a small amount of water in both. The throttle cable was attached and functioning. There were no obstructions observed in the intake manifold. The magnetos, spark plugs, and compression were all within normal limits, and valve and valve train continuity was established through to the accessory section. The engine was not run due to the collapsed nose gear. The FAA further stated that all systems inspected appeared normal and that he suspected an intermittent fuel supply problem.