What happened
While cruising at 7,000 feet mean sea level, the aircraft experienced a partial power loss in the right engine. The pilot attempted several troubleshooting steps to restore power, including advancing the mixtures to the rich position, activating the boost pumps, and switching fuel back to the main tanks. The pilot also applied carburetor heat; although this caused a 300 RPM drop, he deemed the change normal and deactivated the heat after approximately 30 to 45 seconds.
The pilot then attempted an ILS approach while flying in IMC conditions, but the left engine subsequently began to lose power. In response to the loss of power in the second engine, the pilot initiated a forced landing attempt.
As the aircraft descended, it broke through the overcast layer at an altitude between 600 and 900 feet above ground level. At this time, visibility was restricted by snow and blowing snow. During the landing sequence, the aircraft struck wires and a tree. The accident occurred approximately five miles east of the airport.
The investigation
A subsequent examination of the aircraft revealed no preexisting anomalies.