(Pilot) Attempted A Forced Landing To A Hayfield But Impacted Terrain In A Cornfield

Location: Hanover, IL Accident Number: CEN23LA372
Date & Time: August 20, 2023, 08:00 Local Registration: N929DH
Aircraft: Pietenpol Aircamper Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 20, 2023, about 0800 central daylight time, a Pietenpol Aircamper airplane, N929DH, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Hanover, Illinois. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the engine lost partial power about 45 minutes after departure from Monticello Regional Airport (MXO), Monticello, Iowa. He attempted a forced landing to a hayfield but impacted terrain in a cornfield short of the intended forced landing location. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

The airplane was equipped with an inline four-cylinder liquid cooled Ford Model A engine with a dual sparkplug ignition system. The pilot fueled the airplane on the morning of the flight with non-ethanol MOGAS to a full capacity of 11 gals. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed fuel throughout the fuel system, all plugs produced spark and thumb compression was obtained when the engine was manually rotated.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov