Accident Overview
The pilot of a single-engine airplane departed on a cross-country flight after receiving a weather briefing and fueling the aircraft. Approximately one hour into the flight, the engine gradually lost RPM. The pilot applied carburetor heat "a little bit," but all power was eventually lost, necessitating a forced landing.
Forced Landing and Nose-Over
The pilot executed a forced landing to a field. Upon touchdown, the airplane bounced. The pilot stated that he "pushed down on the yoke" to get the airplane back on the ground, and the airplane then nosed over.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the airplane and engine did not disclose any mechanical malfunctions. The engine was examined and found to be capable of normal operation.
Weather Conditions and Carburetor Icing
According to the DOT/FAA/CT82/44 publication "Light Aircraft Piston Engine Carburetor Ice Detector/Warning Device Sensitivity/Effectiveness," the prevailing temperature and dewpoint at the time of the accident produced a probability of carburetor icing at glide and cruise power. The source does not explicitly state that carburetor icing caused the power loss.