Accident Overview
While flying in a local area of hills, the pilot was sightseeing with a passenger. Near the accident site, the pilot executed several turns around a small dirt airstrip to observe it, then departed westward. As the aircraft cleared a ridge line, the pilot perceived a loss of airspeed. He manipulated the throttle and carburetor heat controls, but the engine did not respond. The pilot turned the aircraft around in an attempt to recross the ridge line back toward the dirt airstrip. However, his altitude was insufficient, and the aircraft collided with trees.
Weather Conditions
The closest weather observation station reported a temperature of 85°F and a dew point of 46°F. These values fall within the area of a carburetor icing graph annotated "light icing glide or cruise power."
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the aircraft at the accident site revealed the presence of fuel in the tanks, fuel lines, and carburetor. The engine was removed from the aircraft and installed in a test cell. It started and was exercised throughout its normal power range. Magneto checks and acceleration rates were found to be normal.