Incident Description
Approximately 15 minutes after departure, the pilot reduced engine power to about 40 to 50 percent and descended to roughly 300 feet above ground level (AGL). When the pilot subsequently attempted to increase power, the engine faltered. The pilot applied carburetor heat, but was unable to restore sufficient power in time to avoid a forced landing.
During the landing, the pilot was able to barely clear the tops of several trees, then the aircraft 'pancaked in and flipped over.'
Environmental Conditions
The temperature and dew point at the time were 34°F and 32°F, respectively. According to icing probability charts, serious carburetor icing could have occurred under these conditions.
Investigation Note
No further details about the aircraft, operator, location, or occupants were provided in the source material.