Potential engine failure inflight or during an approach.

Bottom line

A rough running engine was a factor in a fatal accident involving loss of partial engine power and loss of control during a forced landing at night. After an engine failure, the pilot should check critical items that might get the engine operating again while selecting a field and planning an approach. In the event of a complete power failure, the best glide speed should be held until it is necessary to reconfigure for the landing, and the pilot should plan for a steeper approach than usual.