Incident Overview
A private pilot was conducting a landing approach, descending from 10,000 feet to 3,600 feet. The pilot extended the downwind leg to accommodate departing traffic and turned onto final approach when the engine ceased operation. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft struck a fence and subsequently landed short of the runway, coming to rest on a steep gravel bank. The impact caused the engine compartment to fold under the fuselage, and the cabin structure was crushed.
Pilot Actions and Handbook Guidance
The pilot reported that following the engine failure, he applied carburetor heat in an effort to restart the engine. The pilot's operating handbook contains a directive to apply full carburetor heat before closing the throttle. The pilot did not specify whether he followed this procedure prior to the failure.
Co-owner Statement
According to the aircraft's co-owner, the engine was known to be prone to "load up" during prolonged descents, and would not respond to throttle inputs under those conditions.
Damage Assessment
Significant structural damage was sustained: the engine compartment was displaced beneath the fuselage, and the cabin area was crushed. The extent of damage to other components was not detailed in the source.