What happened
The incident occurred during the final approach phase of flight. The pilot was established on the base leg when the engine lost power. This event coincided with the application of carburetor heat and the subsequent retardation of the throttle. Following the loss of thrust, the aircraft nosed over as it attempted to execute a forced landing. The aircraft came to rest on freshly plowed ground located short of the runway.
The investigation
A thorough examination was conducted to determine the mechanical condition of the aircraft following the accident. Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact part failure or malfunction within the airframe or systems. To further verify engine integrity, an operational check was performed after the accident. The engine operated normally during this post-accident test, indicating that the power loss was likely transient and not caused by a permanent mechanical defect.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the sudden reduction in engine power while the aircraft was on the base leg. The timing of the power loss relative to the application of carburetor heat suggests a possible induction system issue, such as ice accumulation or vapor lock, although no physical evidence remained. The pilot's decision to continue the approach rather than go around may have contributed to the inability to clear the obstacle-free zone, resulting in the nose-over impact on the plowed field.