What happened
During a ferry flight shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported that the engine began to slowly lose power. In response to the deteriorating performance, he attempted to land on another runway but lost control of the aircraft and crashed short of the intended landing area.
The investigation
An engine run was performed following the accident which revealed no evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction. The weather conditions at the time were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice, suggesting this environmental factor contributed to the loss of power rather than a mechanical defect.
Findings
The primary finding indicates that carburetor ice led to the gradual loss of engine power. This resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain control during the emergency landing attempt. The investigation confirmed the absence of any pre-impact mechanical issues with the engine itself.