At about 1945 Pacific time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The private pilot and his three passengers were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. While in cruise flight, the pilot noticed propeller RPM was increasing. Despite the pilots efforts to reduce RPM, it continued to rise. As the pilot reduced the throttle, he heard a loud “bang,” which was followed by white smoke from the cowling and loss of engine power. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a nearby road. During the landing roll, the left wing struck a wooden fence post.
