What happened
Following an intersection takeoff with approximately 1,960 feet of runway remaining, the pilot began a climb. When the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 20 to 30 feet above ground level, the pilot reduced power, at which point the engine lost power without warning.
Uncertain if the aircraft could clear an ahead fence, the pilot executed a left turn of approximately 110 degrees. The aircraft subsequently impacted relatively flat, frozen terrain. Following the impact, the aircraft slid 96 feet and came to rest approximately 175 feet east of the runway. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
The broken carburetor was removed and disassembled during the investigation. No noticeable contamination or preimpact part failure was identified. An operational check of the engine was performed, which showed the engine started and operated without any problems that would have caused the accident.
Findings
At the time of the accident, the temperature was 36 degrees and the dew point was 27 degrees. According to carburetor ice charts, these atmospheric conditions were conducive to carburetor ice.