Incident Overview
A private pilot with 163 total flight hours, including 18.3 hours in the accident make and model, experienced a loss of engine power while in cruise flight at 5,500 feet mean sea level. After an unsuccessful restart attempt, the pilot executed an emergency landing in a pasture. During the landing, the airplane collided with several steel posts along a wire fence.
Aircraft Damage
Post-accident inspection by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed structural damage to the leading edge of the right wing and the right elevator.
Magneto Examination
Both magnetos were removed from the airplane and shipped to the manufacturer for further examination. The left magneto harness was found to be damaged, but the magneto passed the standard acceptance test procedure. The right magneto harness was severely damaged and the system was unable to fire any of the six spark plugs.