Incident Overview
Approximately 10 minutes after takeoff, while cruising at 3,000 feet, the pilot experienced an engine misfire and rough operation. In response, the pilot executed emergency procedures, including applying carburetor heat, which provided a slight improvement in engine performance. However, shortly thereafter, the engine ceased operating entirely, and the pilot was unable to return to the departure airport.
Forced Landing and Collision
During the attempted forced landing, the airplane struck a utility pole and power line at or near stall speed. The pilot and the sole passenger received minor injuries as a result of the impact.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the recovery of the airplane, the engine was started and ran satisfactorily, with no anomalies detected. Investigators noted that the ambient atmospheric conditions at the time were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice, which may have contributed to the engine malfunction.
Conclusions
The event underscores the challenges pilots face when managing engine failures in flight. The successful emergency landing, despite the collision, allowed the occupants to escape with minor injuries. The engine's subsequent normal operation suggests a transient issue, possibly related to carburetor icing under the prevailing conditions.