Prelude
The aircraft, a Cessna 195 registered as N1581D, was being flown from Dunkeswell Airfield to Branscombe Airfield in Devon. The weather was reported as good with calm wind, CAVOK conditions, and a QNH of 1004 hPa.
Incident
Shortly after departure, the engine began to lose power. It recovered briefly before suffering a total power loss at a point where turning back to the airfield was not possible. The pilot flew towards lower ground to the west and checked the mixture, throttle, and fuel pumps. He moved the fuel tank selector to the left, right, and then both tanks in turn, and recycled both magnetos, all without effect.
Landing
The pilot made an approach to a large field. The aircraft touched down briefly on soft ground, then flew down a gentle slope and touched down again on a gentle upslope. The wheels began to dig in, and upon crossing slightly firmer ground, the pilot thought the tail was lowering normally. However, the wheels dug heavily and the aircraft nosed over onto its back.
Aftermath
The pilot was uninjured and able to exit the aircraft through the normal door. The cause of the engine problem was not identified.