Incident Overview
A flight conducted for a biennial flight review experienced an engine power loss during climb. During the preflight inspection, approximately one pint of fuel was drained from the wings and sumps, with about half a teaspoon of water detected. After departure, the power was reduced to approximately 2,500 RPM and 25 inches of manifold pressure. As the climb continued, the engine lost power at about 3,500 feet mean sea level.
Emergency Response
The pilots were unable to restore engine power. Their emergency procedures included the use of carburetor heat and the fuel boost pump. Subsequently, the aircraft flipped over during a forced landing in a soft field.
Investigation Findings
The pilot suspected carburetor ice as a possible cause, but this was not confirmed. A teardown of the engine revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure before impact. At the time of the incident, the temperature was 68°F and the dew point was 58°F.