Incident
A pilot conducting a local flight in a single-engine airplane experienced an engine malfunction resulting in a forced landing and subsequent nose-over. The pilot had intended to remain in the traffic pattern after takeoff.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, he performed a preflight inspection that included shaking the wings, sumping both fuel tanks until no water was visible, and draining the gascolator. He noted that a small amount of water is typical in a Cessna. He also used a calibrated dipstick to measure fuel: 8 gallons in the right tank and 7 in the left.
During the left downwind leg, as the pilot retarded the throttle to reduce power for approach, the engine backfired two or three times. He attributed this to possibly reducing power too quickly and continued. On final, being high, he advanced the throttle and carburetor heat to full power, executed a low pass over the runway, and climbed out with the engine operating normally. While turning crosswind and then downwind, the engine backfired several times and lost all power.
The pilot avoided trees and aimed for the runway, but the airplane descended rapidly and touched down on a cross taxiway at the end of the runway. During the landing roll, the nose wheel dug into soft dirt, causing the airplane to nose over and sustain damage.
Post-Crash Examination
An FAA inspector and a representative of Teledyne Continental Motors examined the aircraft after the accident. The inspection revealed rust in the carburetor bowl and heavy corrosion at the bottom of the gascolator bowl. No other anomalies were found that would have prevented engine operation.
Damage
The airplane incurred damage during the nose-over event, but specific affected components were not detailed.