PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 650; Flight Crew Type 200
Troubleshooting; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory
Aircraft
This all began during descent for landing. It was during this time that the aircraft engine began to run rough; the engine was barely producing power to maintain altitude. Immediately; I went through the emergency procedures checklist. By the time the checklist was completed; the aircraft engine was no longer producing adequate power to maintain altitude. I began looking for a suitable landing site. This site was found in the form of a large field (which was at least 2;500 feet long) that was slightly ahead of my current position on my south side. At this time; I was at approximately 1;800 feet. I began to descend to my chosen landing site. I set up for approach and prepared for an off airport landing. While lined up on my chosen landing field; and fully committed to landing the aircraft; the engine resumed normal operations. This resume in power occurred at approximately 300 feet MSL. I immediately closed the throttle as I was un-trusting of how long the return in engine power would last. I continued my approach and made a soft field landing on the grassy terrain. As soon as I was on the ground and confident in terrain solidity; I applied the brakes and brought the aircraft to a stop. Once the aircraft had come to a stop; I shut down the engine and tried to raise ZZZ Tower. I was unable to reach them by radio; so I powered down the aircraft and climbed out along with my passenger. I confirmed that both my passenger and I had received no injuries of any kind. Now that the injury check was complete; I began to try and reach ZZZ Tower via cell phone. While attempting to reach the Tower; I inspected the aircraft and determined that no structural damage had taken place. Approximately 15 minutes after getting out of the aircraft; I made contact with the Tower on my cell phone and reported to them that I; my passenger and my aircraft were all safe and without injury/damage.
A PA-28-151 was descending through 2;500 FT; 7 miles from his airport on a visual approach when the engine began running rough so he picked a landing site. During final approach at about 300 FT power restored but he choose to land safely off airport; without damage or injury.