Incident Overview
During cruise flight in clouds at 9,000 feet MSL, the aircraft entered a snow squall. The pilot applied carburetor heat to both engines but found that the control for the left engine could only be moved one-third of its full travel. Shortly thereafter, the left engine lost power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot requested vectors to the nearest airport.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane descended, the right engine also lost power. The pilot executed a gear-up forced landing in a swampy field. No information is available regarding the aircraft type, registration, or number of occupants.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA Aviation Safety Inspector examined the wreckage and reported finding water in the cylinders of both engines.
Pilot's Report
The pilot stated that he had received two weather briefings prior to the flight and noted that the accident could have been prevented had his route been further eastward to avoid the cold front with lake snow effect.