Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while cruising at an altitude of 5,000 feet MSL, he reduced the engine RPM to between 1,000 and 1,200 during a descent to 2,000 feet MSL. When attempting to level off with increased power, the engine did not respond. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing in a rough and uneven field.
Pilot Actions
Following the incident, the pilot informed an FAA inspector that he pumped the throttle and moved the mixture control to the rich position. However, he did not use carburetor heat during the event.
Weather Conditions
A weather reporting station located ten miles east of the accident site reported a temperature of 60°F and a dew point of 51°F at the time of the accident. These conditions are conducive to carburetor icing.
Summary
The pilot's inability to restore engine power during the level-off attempt resulted in a forced landing. The absence of carburetor heat use, combined with atmospheric conditions favorable for carburetor icing, may have contributed to the power loss.