Flight and Approach
The pilot had been flying locally for approximately 40 minutes before deciding to practice a landing at an airpark en route to the home airport. During the downwind leg, the pilot applied carburetor heat as a precaution but then returned it to the OFF position. The remainder of the traffic pattern was flown without carburetor heat.
Engine Failure and Landing
On final approach, when the pilot added a small amount of power, the engine failed to respond. The pilot was unable to restart the engine and subsequently landed the aircraft short of the runway in snow-covered terrain. The nose gear assembly buckled during the landing.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, the engine was run and found to be capable of normal operation, indicating no mechanical fault. At the time of the flight, the temperature was 12°F and the dew point was -5°F, conditions favorable for carburetor icing.
Damage
The nose gear assembly sustained damage during the off-airport landing. No other damage is specified.