Flight and Maneuver
The pilot and two passengers were on a cross-country flight. Approximately two hours into the flight, they decided to land for a rest stop. The pilot observed breaks in the clouds below and descended toward a nearby airport. Upon seeing the runway, he determined he was too close to land and initiated a right-hand circle to establish a better approach.
Stall and Impact
While turning onto the downwind leg, the pilot reported that he failed to maintain sufficient airspeed, causing the airplane to stall. He further stated that he did not have time to extend the landing gear. The airplane subsequently impacted a muddy wheat field and came to rest in an upright position.
Damage and Examination
Post-impact examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the engine firewall and the fuselage aft of the door posts.