Accident Details
A private pilot with 147 hours of flight experience was descending for landing on a practice cross-country flight when, at approximately 2,000 feet above ground level, the engine began producing very loud noises and subsequently lost power. The pilot selected a forced landing area and touched down in a field with tall grass and a rough surface. The hard landing caused substantial damage to the airframe firewall, nose gear, propeller, and engine. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured.
Pilot Actions
According to the pilot's statement, he had not activated his VFR flight plan prior to the flight. During the forced landing, he did not attempt to make an emergency radio call requesting assistance. After landing, the uninjured pilot evacuated the airplane unassisted and hiked to a nearby farmhouse to call for help.
Engine Failure Investigation
The loss of engine power was undetermined following the investigation.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at the time of the accident included 10 miles visibility, few clouds at 12,500 feet, southerly winds at 12 knots, a temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and a dew point of 66 degrees Fahrenheit.