Accident Overview
A pilot departed a local airport to practice traffic pattern work and basic flight maneuvers. After three touch-and-go maneuvers, the pilot left the traffic pattern and flew to a designated practice area. There, the pilot performed a couple of 360-degree turns and slow flight before attempting a power-off stall.
Stall Attempt and Engine Failure
To prepare for the power-off stall, the pilot retarded the throttle and applied carburetor heat. During recovery, the pilot rapidly applied engine power and closed the carburetor heat. The engine then lost power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but the restart was unsuccessful.
Emergency Landing
Faced with an engine failure, the pilot elected to perform an emergency off-airport landing to a field. The pilot landed in a downwind direction and was high on final approach. The pilot later stated that a slip during the approach would have allowed for "use of more of the chosen field...a longer flare and a lighter touchdown at a lower airspeed." The airplane impacted crops and terrain, coming to rest on its nose.
Damage and Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed a buckled firewall. According to a designated pilot examiner, rapid throttle application can result in engine flooding and subsequent engine failure.