Event
According to a passenger, the pilot's son, the pilot had made a final approach lineup on the wrong set of lights. Upon realizing the mistake, the pilot initiated a go-around at approximately 200 feet above ground level. However, the engine lost power. During an emergency landing at night, the pilot observed power lines and pulled the nose up to avoid a collision, but was unable to. The stall warning horn sounded, and the aircraft crashed in a nose-down attitude.
Examination
An examination of the aircraft and its subsystems failed to disclose any preimpact failure or malfunction. Approximately 7 gallons of fuel remained. A power line was found wrapped around the fuselage and tail section. The aircraft had been retrofitted with front seat shoulder restraint systems. Despite extensive damage, including rearward displacement of the engine, the pilot received only facial injuries, and the passengers received only minor to no injuries.
Weather and Icing
The temperature and dew point were 50 °F and 38 °F, respectively. Icing probability charts indicated that carburetor icing was possible, but the position of the carburetor heat on final was not verified.