Flight and Weather Conditions
The pilot was cruising at an altitude of 3000 feet beneath an overcast sky with intermittent rain. The carburetor heat was off.
Engine Power Loss
Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the engine RPM began to slowly decrease. The pilot briefly applied carburetor heat, but since the RPM only fluctuated and power was not immediately restored, the pilot discontinued its use. The pilot had never experienced carburetor ice before.
Emergency Descent and Landing
As all engine power was being lost, the pilot broadcast a mayday call and began searching for a suitable landing spot. While the power loss was progressing, some power returned. The pilot then nursed the aircraft along at very low altitude and eventually overshot an open field, landing on a rocky slope.
Damage
During the landing, as the aircraft decelerated, its nose gear was torn off.