Approach and Go-Around Attempt
The pilot was practicing a simulated engine-out approach to an 1,800-foot private grass airstrip. The plan was to execute a go-around once the airplane reached 100 feet above ground level (agl). During the approach, the pilot maintained a manifold pressure of about 12 inches, ensuring the engine still produced a small amount of power and the throttle was not completely closed.
When the airplane descended to approximately 100 feet agl, the pilot moved the throttle partially forward to initiate the go-around. However, the engine rpm did not increase. The pilot then pushed the throttle full forward, but the propeller continued to only windmill. By the time the pilot determined that the engine had lost all power, it was too late to land back on the grass strip.
Emergency Landing and Gear Collapse
The pilot elected to make an emergency landing in a field past the departure end of the grass strip. The terrain in that field was rough and uneven, covered with high vegetation. After touchdown, approximately 15 feet beyond where the main landing gear first contacted the terrain, the structure inside the right main landing gear attachment box failed. This caused the right main landing gear leg to collapse, and the right wing subsequently came into contact with the ground.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident inspection of the airplane and engine revealed no anomalies that would have led to a loss of power. Following the inspection, the Continental Motors IO-0470-F engine was started and run without any malfunction detected.