Our 210 pilot wisely started looking for a suitable field in which to land the airplane. A number of factors usually come into consideration in selecting a field, not the least of which is the length and the nature of the surface. While it is true that most off airport landings will have shorter than touchdowns on the concrete back home, it is surprising how often pilots, particularly low-time pilots, will pick a pancake-flat field which would make a perfect emergency landing site except for the fact that it was only half or a third of the distance needed to stop the aircraft on the landing roll.
The practicing of engine failure during the various flight stages is common during training for private and commercial pilot  certificates. Some other emergency procedures, short of total engine failure, but which may require an immediate off  airport emergency landing, often do not get the same emphasis. A precautionary off-airport landing is an emergency  situation in which the pilot is forced to make an immediate landing while power is still available. In addition to the  indication of high engine temperature combined with loss of oil pressure that our Centurion pilot experienced, other  reasons for precautionary landings can include cabin or electrical fire, sudden deterioration of the weather or impending  darkness, or even a case where the pilot is utterly lost and running low on fuel.   
 
A pilot should consider a precautionary landing under such conditions that the continuation of  the flight might be detrimental to the flight's safety. A pilot should consider a precautionary landing under such conditions that the continuation of the flight might be detrimental to the flight's safety. Before initiating the descent, the pilot should consider the approach conditions including the wind direction and any major obstructions such as powerlines, buildings, etc.  
Once the landing site is found suitable for the approach, a descent to an altitude where obstacles can be clearly observed should be commenced. Entering from either base legs or upwind, the airplane is slowed to normal approach speed with the wing flaps set to the recommended position. The terrain has to be carefully observed for obstructions while flying a low pass on the upwind leg.  
An upwind climb should be initiated, and the wing flaps retracted at a safe altitude. After turning to the crosswind leg, a normal traffic pattern should be flown (a lower traffic pattern is maintained when the reason for the landing is low clouds) .  
On final approach, after the wing flaps are fully extended, all radios and electrical equipment should be turned off, and the cabin doors should be unlatched. Landing is made with a slightly low tail. After touchdown, brakes are applied as necessary while the ignition and the master switch are turned off.