NTSB Factual Report

On August 5, 2001, about 1400 central daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N13715, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing and subsequent nose-over, near Milton, Wisconsin. The airplane engine lost engine power while in cruise flight. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions and was not on a flight plan. The pilot and his one passenger reported no injuries. The flight originated from the Tri-County Regional Airport, Lone Rock, Wisconsin, at 1300 and was en route to the Palmyra Municipal Airport, Palmyra, Wisconsin.

In his written statement, the pilot stated, "Engine stopped, I believe due to auto fuel use in extreme hot weather. - A slow touchdown was made in a soybean field. The aircraft nosed over in the soft ground and heavy foliage. - Not flying in high [temperatures] with this fuel would have prevented this." The use of automobile fuel was approved.

A weather station located about 15 miles from the accident site recorded the weather at 1345 as: Winds 230 degrees at 6 knots; Sky condition 3,300 feet scattered; Visibility 10 statute miles; Temperature 30 degrees Celsius; Dew point 24 degrees Celsius; Altimeter setting 30.14 inches of mercury.

A postaccident examination of the airplane by Federal Aviation Administration officials revealed no anomalies that could be associated with a pre-impact condition.

NTSB Probable Cause

The unsuitable terrain for landing encountered by the pilot. Factors were the high vegetation and the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.