NTSB Factual Report

On August 27, 2017, about 1620 Pacific daylight time, a North American Navion A, N8695H, experienced a total loss of engine power during the initial climb from Rohnerville Airport, Fortuna, California. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local personal flight departed from Fortuna about 1615. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot stated that he departed with about 10-12 gallons of fuel on board. After the airplane reached about 1,000 feet above ground level (agl), the engine experienced a total loss power. He attempted to return back to the airport, but was unable to maintain altitude and made an off-airport landing in a pasture about .5 miles from the runway. During the landing, the airplane incurred damage to the firewall.