Incident Overview
Shortly after departure, the pilot noted a partial loss of engine power. He initiated a turn back toward the airport and activated the carburetor heat, but the measure did not appear to restore power. The fuel selector was then moved from both tanks to the right tank, which also failed to improve the situation.
Forced Landing
With insufficient altitude and engine power to make it back to the airport, the pilot executed a forced landing in a field covered with snow. The field appeared flat with a light snow cover; however, a rut approximately 30 to 36 inches deep was present.
Post-Impact Events
Upon landing, the aircraft encountered deep snow. The nose gear collapsed, and the plane flipped over. The pilot suspected possible carburetor ice as a cause for the power loss, but this was not verified. No pre-impact mechanical malfunction or failure was reported.