Accident Sequence
The pilot of an agricultural aircraft had just completed two swath runs and was turning to initiate a third when the aircraft began to buffet and approached a stall. In response, the pilot lowered the nose and added full throttle. After applying full throttle, the pilot reported he did not hear the engine respond. As the aircraft descended toward the ground, the pilot stated he applied back pressure "...several times with near stall control feelings," but the aircraft continued its uncontrolled descent. It subsequently clipped some trees before impacting the ground.
Witness and Investigation Findings
A witness reported hearing the engine backfire shortly before impact. During the post-accident investigation, no mechanical anomalies were found with the engine. The weather conditions at the time of the accident correlated with the range of conditions associated with the formation of carburetor ice. According to the pilot and witness statements, the engine exhibited some indications that carburetor ice may have formed.
Conclusions
The investigation determined no mechanical malfunction. The evidence pointed to possible carburetor icing as a factor in the loss of engine power, though the official report did not state a definitive cause.