Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Air Traffic Control Military 2; Flight Crew Last 90 Days 47; Flight Crew Total 7700; Flight Crew Type 1000
Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft
I was taking delivery of an airplane that some friends had purchased and relocating it from ZZZ1 to ZZZ2. The first leg was to be from ZZZ1 to ZZZ3 via ZZZ4 to avoid restricted airspace. I completed the preflight and departed ZZZ1. I climbed to 6500 ft. MSL and about 35 minutes into the flight the engine began to lose power and backfire. I switched mags; switched fuel tanks; reduced power and adjusted mixture but nothing seemed to make any difference. At around 3;500 feet MSL the engine began to run smoothly again and I decided that I would land at ZZZ4 for maintenance. The engine began to run rough again and I opted to land in a field rather than overfly the city in hopes of reaching the airport. The off airport landing was made without incident. There was no damage to the airplane or myself. I secured the airplane and left a note on the nearby farmhouse door with my contact information. I was later contacted by the authorities and gave them the details over the phone. A passerby gave me a ride to ZZZ4 where I met a fellow pilot that gave me a ride back to ZZZ2. A mechanic from ZZZ1 is coming to inspect the airplane.I do not know what caused the problem at this point. The airplane had just completed it's annual inspection but had been inactive for a number of years prior. The preflight and engine run-up were normal and the airplane climbed well to 6;500 feet.I am happy with the outcome of my decision not to overfly a populated area with few options had the engine quit entirely.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
GA pilot reported losing power and landing in a field with no injuries or damage.