Incident Overview
A private pilot was flying a single-engine airplane when the engine gradually lost power after leveling off at 2,000 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The pilot turned back toward the departure airport but was unable to maintain altitude.
Pilot Actions
Recognizing the power loss, the pilot applied carburetor heat. The engine responded to the application, but despite the restored power, the pilot could not avoid a tall tree in the flight path. The airplane collided with the top of the tree and crashed into it.
Outcome
The pilot exited the airplane unhurt. No injuries were reported.
Weather Conditions
According to carburetor icing charts, the weather conditions at the time were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice. The pilot's use of carburetor heat suggests that carburetor icing may have been a factor in the loss of engine power.