Incident Overview
A pilot on a night cargo flight reported encountering difficulty with the right engine during en route operations. The pilot attributed the problem to carburetor icing. Applying manifold heat initially resolved the issue, but shortly thereafter, the right engine lost power completely. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful.
Diversion and Approach
The pilot declared an emergency and diverted to an alternate airport. Weather conditions in the area were described as bad, with a winter storm in progress. Most local airports were closed due to the weather conditions. The pilot was cleared for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 1.
Icing and Emergency Landing
During the approach, the pilot reported that the aircraft had accumulated ice while en route and further picked up ice at approximately 300 to 400 feet above ground level (AGL). The pilot was unable to reach the runway and subsequently made an emergency landing about one mile short of the runway.
Post-Accident Investigation
A post-accident investigation of the right engine found no evidence of a pre-impact mechanical malfunction.