N604X

The private pilot established a descent from a cruise altitude of 8500 feet for approach to refuel on his second leg of a cross-country flight. At an altitude of about 5000 feet the engine stopped producing power. The pilot attempted to restore power by adjusting the throttle, mixture, and magnetos. The engine quit completely. The pilot then attempted a restart and was unsuccessful. A forced landing was made to an open field between two rows of houses. During the landing roll the airplane wings hit a stop sign and several trees and sustained substantial damage. The pilot was not injured. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector on scene, the engine had compression, turned over by hand, and showed no outward signs of failure. No reason could be determined for the engine failure.