CHI99LA320

The aircraft was in cruise at 2000 feet msl when the engine started missing. The pilot selected an emergency field, but the plane was too high, and the pilot then selected another field to make the emergency landing to. The aircraft struck trees while on approach to that field.

On September 4, 1999, at 1218 central daylight time (cdt), a Cessna 172, N2972U, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during a collision with trees and terrain while approaching a field during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported serious injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The flight departed Apple River, Illinois, at 1130 cdt.

According to the pilot, the airplane was flying about 2,000 feet above mean sea level when the engine started missing. He said shortly after the engine began missing and there was a loud bang and the engine stopped running. The pilot said he picked a field for the forced landing and realized the airplane was too high to land in that field. He said he chose another field and turned toward it. While on approach to that field the airplane collided with trees and the ground.

Law enforcement personnel responding to the accident said they observed about 10 gallons of fuel in one of airplane's wing tanks. The on-scene law enforcement supervisor said he also smelled fuel and saw it dripping from the other wing.