Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Other glider and SES
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 22; Flight Crew Total 20000; Flight Crew Type 8
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Object
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
At 1;900 MSL heard a thump; 20 seconds later; engine lost partial power; adding throttle did not improve power. Began a descent and located a field. Checked ignition and fuel both were on and appeared OK. Engine now making about 30% power so set up for off field landing. Crossing a fence line I struck a wire about 15 feet in the air. The aircraft shook but no other indication of control problem. Engine now at about 1700 RPM and aircraft able to climb about 100 feet per minute. I elected to head for my home base. Engine RPM still wavering but indicating 1800 so I proceeded straight to [home airport] which was now 9 miles away.Engine steady but still not making full power. I was able to complete a normal landing with no further problem. No injuries and aircraft returned to hangar. Upon inspection; found insect body parts stuck in the fuel vent. Damage confined to skin damage on gear legs and cut on right elevator.
Light aircraft pilot reported returning to departure airport after experiencing loss of engine power.  Post flight inspection revealed insect debris in the fuel vent.