Incident Overview
Shortly after leveling at a cruise altitude of 2,500 feet, the pilot observed a gradual decrease in engine RPM, followed by a loss of power. The aircraft could not maintain altitude, and the pilot determined that reaching an airport seven miles to the south was improbable. He selected a rolling open field for a forced landing.
Forced Landing and Damage
During the landing roll, the aircraft encountered a steep incline, which caused the nose gear to collapse. The aircraft then slid across the terrain.
Carburetor Ice Considerations
Weather conditions at the time, as indicated by temperature and dew point readings, were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice. The pilot reported that he did not apply carburetor heat because he believed the checklist in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) did not include the application of carburetor heat.
Engine Test
Following the incident, the engine was run successfully in a test cell with no discrepancies noted.
Probable Cause
Not stated in the source.