Circumstances:
The pilot intended to conduct an aerial inspection of one of his properties prior to departing for his home base. The pilot reported that during the take-off the engine misfired, so he abandoned the take-off and returned to the threshold of the airstrip where he carried out a complete engine run which satisfied him that all was normal. The subsequent take-off was uneventful, and the pilot completed the property inspection. Several minutes after setting heading the engine again misfired, accompanied by backfiring and a loss of power. The pilot attempted to return to the airstrip on his property, but the lack of power committed him to a forced landing. He selected a suitable flat open cultivated paddock and made a successful landing. Vacating the aircraft the pilot noticed a fire burning in the engine bay area, which increased in intensity and completely consumed the aircraft. This accident was not the subject of an on-scene investigation.
