Incident Summary
A pilot encountered an engine anomaly and icing conditions during a flight, resulting in a precautionary descent and a landing short of the intended runway. The pilot reported the events to investigators.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after leveling off at 6000 feet MSL, the pilot began to have difficulty holding altitude. The engine sounded as if it was flooding. The pilot initiated a forced descent toward the nearest suitable airfield. Upon crossing over the nondirectional beacon (NDB) for that field at 3000 feet MSL, the pilot turned back toward the runway. During this turn, ice began to accumulate on the wings and windscreen. Subsequently, the rate of altitude loss increased.
At approximately 20 feet above ground level, while indicating 65 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS), the left wing dropped and the aircraft settled to the ground, coming to rest short of the runway.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that the heavy snow encountered during the flight may have blocked the engine intake air filter, causing the loss of engine power.