Incident Overview
During climbout at approximately 700 feet above mean sea level, the aircraft began to lose power. The pilot attempted to restore power by engaging the boost pumps, which temporarily regained some engine output. However, all power was subsequently lost, necessitating a forced landing on a frozen river short of the intended airport.
Damage
As the aircraft rolled out on the rough ice surface, the nose landing gear was sheared off. No other damage was reported in the source.
Pilot Statement
In an interview, the pilot indicated he was unaware of the possibility of trapped water in the fuel tanks and acknowledged that he did not drain the fuel sumps during the pre-flight inspection.