Incident Overview
The pilot of an airplane conducting an aerial observation flight reported that the aircraft began to not respond to throttle inputs approximately 5 hours into the flight. He decided to head toward a nearby airport to land. While descending to 2,000 feet, the airplane experienced a total power loss. The pilot determined he could not glide to the destination airport and turned toward a field.
Engine Behavior During Emergency
About 50 feet above ground, the engine regained power, allowing the airplane to climb to 100 feet. Shortly afterward, the engine experienced another power loss. The pilot executed a 180-degree turn toward an interstate highway, and the engine surged a second time before losing power again.
Forced Landing and Collision
The pilot performed a forced landing on the interstate. During the landing, the airplane struck a car and came to rest in the grass adjacent to the road.
Post-Accident Fuel Inspection
Video provided by the Federal Aviation Administration showed no fuel draining from the left fuel tank and less than one-half cup of fuel draining from the right fuel tank.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer.