Accident Overview
A single-engine airplane, operating under an instrument flight rules flight plan at a cruising altitude of 6,000 feet mean sea level, encountered engine trouble during a night cross-country flight in visual meteorological conditions. The pilot reported a rough-running engine to air traffic control and subsequently transmitted a distress call. The pilot diverted toward a municipal airport but discontinued the approach and initiated a forced landing in a cleared pasture that appeared suitable.
Descent and Impact
Radar data indicated the airplane descending toward the pasture with a reduction in ground speed consistent with the forced landing. However, the aircraft collided with unmarked powerlines that ran perpendicular to the selected clearing, short of the intended landing area. No eyewitnesses reported the accident.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was discovered the following morning. Ground signatures were consistent with an impact in an inverted position. A post-impact fire consumed most of the airframe, leaving only the right wing and aft tail section intact.
Engine Findings
Examination of the engine revealed that both crankcase halves bore matching serial numbers. Approximately half of the oil pan had been consumed by the post-impact fire. Due to the severity of the fire and separation from the engine mounts, engine control continuity could not be established. A large hole was found on top of the engine case between the number 4 and number 6 cylinders. Thermal patterns consistent with a lack of oil lubrication were evident on both the number 4 and number 6 cylinders. The number 5 cylinder was separated from its mount, and the number 5 connecting rod cap had separated from the connecting rod and was not recovered.
Maintenance Records
Maintenance records for both the airframe and the powerplant were not located during the investigation.