19980516021369A

Lost power on climbout. Crash landed in a field. Was downwind and over gross wt. (.4) the pilot stated the engine lost partial power during climbout and he attempted to return to the airport. During the turn the engine lost all power and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. The engine was examined under the supervision of a FAA inspector. After two failed attempts to start the engine, a carburetor float was freed. The engine then ran to rated power. According to witnesses, the airplane departed with a 9 knot tailwind. The airplane's takeoff weight was estimated to be about 20 pounds over the maximum takeoff weight. The calculations did not include baggage no longer available to weigh. (-23) flight originated at lincoln park (N07), new jersey, and flew to Princeton, NJ (39N), where the pilot picked up three passenger. Pilot departed Princeton and stated the aircraft would not climb and the engine was not developing full power. He then turned back toward the airport when he stated the engine quit and made an off-field emergency landing in a plowed field. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR part 91.