What happened
During flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. In response to the power loss, the pilot initiated an emergency procedure to perform a forced landing on a level area of a hilltop.
As the aircraft was rolling along the ground during the landing sequence, the nosewheel struck a deep depression in the terrain. This impact caused the nosegear to be forced upward and rearward, penetrating the cockpit floor. Following this structural failure, an intense fire erupted within the engine compartment. As the pilot opened the canopy to exit the wreckage, the flames flashed back into the cockpit area.
Despite the presence of fire, the pilot was able to evacuate the aircraft without injury. The aircraft was subsequently declared a total loss.
Findings
- The primary sequence began with an uncommanded engine failure.
- The structural damage to the cockpit floor was caused by the nosewheel impacting uneven terrain during the landing roll.
- Engine failure and subsequent fire were the central elements of the accident.