Shortly after leveling off and beginning the cruise portion of the cross-country flight, the engine lost all power. The private pilot/owner performed a forced landing onto a highway; however, just prior to the landing flare, the vertical stabilizer struck a power cable, and became partially separated from the tailcone. Subsequent examination of the engine revealed that the carburetor drain plug was missing. The pilot, who did not hold an airframe and power plant mechanics certificate, had flown the airplane using automotive gasoline about 2 months prior to the accident. The engine experienced starting problems during that period, and as such, he decided to remove the carburetor drain plug in order to purge the system of automotive fuel. He did not utilize safety wire to secure the plug after performing this operation.

The carburetor was examined at a maintenance facility during its annual inspection, 1 month prior to the accident, as well as 2 months prior when it was examined after the pilot reported that the engine was running rough. Maintenance personnel reported that on both occasions the drain plug was secured with safety wire.