Incident Summary
Following takeoff from the airport, the pilot reported that the aircraft engine ran rough. In response, the pilot applied carburetor heat to improve engine performance. Shortly after the application of carburetor heat, the engine ceased operation.
Sequence of Events
The pilot executed a forced landing back to the airport, ultimately touching down on a taxiway situated between two hangars. After touchdown, the pilot stated that the engine momentarily responded, causing the aircraft to become airborne again. However, the engine quit once more after the aircraft became airborne. The pilot reported insufficient speed to clear hangars at the end of the taxiway. The aircraft then descended back to the taxiway and struck aircraft parked in a hangar.
Post-Incident Inspection
A subsequent engine run failed to disclose any mechanical difficulty. Further checks for fuel leakage or contamination were unsuccessful. Carburetor icing probability charts indicate that icing conditions were likely at the temperature and dew point recorded on that day. The pilot stated that he had run the engine for a period of 15 to 20 minutes.