Accident Summary
During cruise flight at an altitude of 2000 feet, the pilot experienced the engine running rough and losing power. The pilot declared an emergency on radio frequency 121.5 MHz. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power completely. The pilot prepared for a night forced landing. The aircraft then impacted a group of oak trees approximately 50 feet tall and became entangled.
Pilot Actions
The pilot performed emergency procedures, including applying carburetor heat, switching fuel tanks, and testing the left and right magnetos individually. None of these actions restored engine power.
Post-Accident Examination
Field testing of the engine's continuity, compression, ignition, induction, and fuel systems revealed no defects. All spark plugs were covered with black sooty deposits. A carburetor icing probability chart from DOT/FAA/CT-82/44 predicted serious icing at cruise power given the weather conditions at the time of the accident: temperature 40 degrees Fahrenheit and dew point 38 degrees Fahrenheit.