Amateur/Home Built/Experimental
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 2; Flight Crew Total 185; Flight Crew Type 111
Training / Qualification; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Procedure; Human Factors
Made an off airport landing approximately 3 miles from nearest airport. This was due to engine overheating and eventual engine failure.Engine failure may have been due to pilot not removing bird protection fabric covering lower engine air inlet on the aircraft during preflight causing high engine temperatures during the cruise.
GA aircraft experienced an engine overheat and failure; possibly due to the failure to remove inlet covers during preflight.