Accident Details
A 325-hour private pilot was returning to his private airstrip in cruise flight at 1,100 feet mean sea level when he observed the oil pressure had fallen below 20 pounds. He decided to prepare for an emergency landing and initiated a descent into a large wheat field he deemed suitable for an off-airport landing.
During the approach, the pilot reported that the engine began to flutter. After touching down in the wheat field, the tires became entangled in the tall wheat, causing the airplane to flip over.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector who examined the accident site found that the left wing spar was bent and the engine firewall was displaced. No wheel marks were evident on the ground. The inspector noted that the tailwheel-equipped airplane's wheels were caught in the tall wheat, leading to the nose-over.
Engine and Weather Factors
The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined. At the time of the accident, weather conditions included wind from 360 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 17 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 79°F, dew point 48°F, and an altimeter setting of 30.01 inches of Mercury.