Pilot reported engine failure after completing a low approach and landed on a nearby road with no injury or damage and was towed to the airport.
Synopsis
Pilot reported engine failure after completing a low approach and landed on a nearby road with no injury or damage and was towed to the airport.
Narrative
Flight was a planned VFR out and back from home field; ZZZ to ZZZ1. Temperature was 76 degrees with sun and clouds; light winds at ZZZ. Enroute flight to ZZZ1 was uneventful. Upon arrival; ZZZ1 had light turbulence with direct crosswinds of 10-12 knots for RWY XXL. I elected to perform a low approach to Rwy XXL which was uneventful. I departed ZZZ1 to the east and flew enroute to ZZZ. After the descent; I entered the pattern for Rwy XY at ZZZ. It's expected at ZZZ that returning aircraft conduct a low approach prior to a full stop in order to clear pedestrians from the runway. I performed a low approach to Rwy XY and then turned crosswind to the south.Upon rolling out from my crosswind turn; the engine began to lose power for about 3-4 seconds; the aircraft ceased climbing and then the engine quit. The propeller blade stopped turning and one segment of the blade stuck at the 11 o'clock position. After my initial assessment of the situation; I looked over my right shoulder and attempted to acquire Rwy XY. I estimate that at that time I was around 200-300 ft. and it didn't appear that I had enough altitude to make the runway at ZZZ. I've flown out of ZZZ for 4 years and the field is on a plateau which is about 400 ft. above the valley floor below. I always knew that I could turn towards the city; trade some altitude for airspeed and use the two paved roads below for a landing in an emergency. This prior preparation served me well. I quickly decided that based on my altitude I was going to have to make a landing on the road below. I set best glide speed and found a flat stretch of the road in front of me. After making sure to clear a set of power lines and that there were no cars coming; I made a dead stick landing onto the road. There was no damage to the aircraft and I was uninjured. There were no injuries or damage to anyone or any property on the road. A motorist came up behind me and he helped me push the airplane into a private driveway. Authorities arrived; took my statement and then helped stop traffic on the road so that the aircraft could be towed back to ZZZ. Another pilot from ZZZ used his truck to help me tow the aircraft back to parking at ZZZ. The aircraft was tied down at ZZZ. The next day; I had my A&P inspect the aircraft at ZZZ. He was unable to find anything wrong with the aircraft mechanically. No contamination or loss of any of the fluids as well. His conclusion was possible carburetor icing. The temperature was 76 degrees and the aircraft has an O-200; 100 hp engine.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.