Accident Overview
On July 16, 2013, at approximately 1700 central daylight time, a Piper PA-22-125, registration N663A, experienced a loss of engine power and subsequently made a forced landing in a cornfield near Mapleton, Minnesota. The airplane was substantially damaged, but the pilot and a passenger were not injured.
Flight Details
The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated at an undetermined time from Wells Municipal Airport (68Y), Minnesota, and was en route to Mankato Regional Airport (KMKT), Minnesota.
Pilot Actions
According to the pilot's report and interviews with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors, the pilot telephoned the Flight Service Station for a weather briefing and performed a thorough preflight inspection, including draining all three fuel sumps. No water or sediment was observed, and no fuel was added. The pilot made a solo flight to regain currency, then flew with his father around Wells, and later departed for Mankato with his brother.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
While north of Mapleton at 2,500 feet, the engine began to sputter. The pilot applied carburetor heat and adjusted the fuel mixture to full rich, but the engine continued to sputter. Switching to the right fuel tank, the engine then quit completely. The pilot executed a forced landing in a cornfield, during which the airplane nosed over.
Post-Accident Examination
FAA inspectors collected fuel samples from both wing fuel tanks and the gascolator fuel line. A substantial amount of water was recovered. The inspector noted that the airplane had been parked outside and that the area had experienced recent heavy rainfall.