NTSB Factual Report

The 75-hour private pilot/owner planned a simulated low-approach to an open area within his property where he was planning on building a grass airstrip. The pilot reported he had no intention to land and had planned to execute a go-around and then continue his flight on to his intended destination. As the pilot approached the field to the south, he added one notch of flaps and retarded the throttle to idle. He did not apply carburetor heat. When the airplane was on final approach, while at approximately 200 feet above the ground, the pilot added power to initiate the intended go-around; however, there was no response and power did not increase above idle speed. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and the airplane landed short of the field, colliding with a fence and tree stumps. The pilot stated that when the airplane first touched down, the engine regained full power but, he immediately pulled the power back to idle to prevent further damage. The pilot and the passenger were able to egress the airplane unassisted and were not injured. Both wings were reported to have sustained structural damage. According to the pilot, he had owned the airplane for approximately seven months and had no previous problems with the engine. At the time of the accident, the temperature was reported as 37 degrees Fahrenheit and the dew point was 21 degrees Fahrenheit. The reason for the intermittent loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.