Accident Details
During cruise flight, the pilot observed a gradual reduction in engine power. In response, carburetor heat was applied. When the power loss continued, the pilot shut off the carburetor heat again. A forced landing was executed in a soybean field. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered a drainage ditch and nosed down.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, a thorough examination of the engine and its accessories revealed no evidence of any malfunction that existed prior to impact. All components appeared to be functioning normally at the time of examination.
Weather Conditions
FAA inspectors noted that the weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice. This observation was based on standard meteorological factors.