CHI94LA085

While flying en route in actual instrument meteorological conditions, the airplane's engine began to run rough. The pilot applied carburetor heat, the engine ran rougher and a total loss of power was experienced. The pilot landed the airplane in a pasture and the right wing contacted the ground. The on-scene investigation revealed no mechanical deficiencies with the engine.

On February 11, 1994, at 1030 central standard time (cst), a Cessna 182, N1794M, registered to Paul J. Anderson of Marco Island, Florida, and piloted by an instrument rated private pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during cruise flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight had been operating on an instrument flight plan. The pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The flight departed Lake Elmo, Minnesota, at 0720 cst.

The pilot stated the airplane was flying at 6,000 feet mean sea level (msl) when the engine began to run rough. She said she applied carburetor heat, the roughness became severe and shortly after applying carburetor heat the engine quit running. An instrument rated private pilot was a passenger on the airplane. He said the airplane was cruising at 6,000 feet msl in the clouds and that the engine had been leaned out with an "...adequate..." exhaust gas temperature gauge reading showing. According to the passenger, the engine started shaking as though it had a fuel problem or had picked up carburetor ice. He said the pilot pulled the carburetor heat and the engine quit.

During the descent, the passenger said an engine restart was attempted with no success. After exiting the clouds at 1,800 to 2,000 feet msl, the pilot said she observed a driveway ahead that she thought she could land the airplane on. She stated she changed her mind due to the airplane's airspeed and obstructions observed at the driveway's end. The pilot landed the airplane in a pasture. According to the pilot, the right wingtip contacting the ground during the landing.

The Bismarck, North Dakota, surface weather observation reports showed the surface temperature at 0950 cst to be seven degrees fahrenheit. The surface temperature at 1050 cst was 18 degrees fahrenheit.

Examination of N1794M's engine revealed its compression ranged between 65 psi over 80 psi to 74 psi over 80 psi. No defeats were found. The Federal Aviation Administration Principal Maintenance Inspector's report and mechnaic's inspection report are appended to this report.