Events During Flight
Approximately six minutes after takeoff, the pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power. This occurred when the mixture lever was retarded to lean the engine for cruise flight. The mixture was quickly advanced, but the engine continued to lose power. The pilot turned the aircraft back toward the departure airport.
During the approach, the airspeed was high and the pilot overshot the intended landing point. He initiated a go-around, but the engine would only develop 1,400 RPM. The aircraft was subsequently crash landed in a soybean field.
Post-Accident Findings
A post-accident engine run-up was conducted. During that run-up, the engine would only develop 1,700 RPM. The partial loss of power was determined to have occurred when the Marvel Schebler carburetor, part number MA45PA, malfunctioned.
No other factors were identified. No injuries were reported. The accident was not described as fatal or deadly in the source.