Accident Details
While in cruise flight at an altitude of 7,000 feet mean sea level, the airplane experienced a partial power loss to the right engine. The power reduction persisted until the pilot shut down that engine. The pilot attempted corrective actions including moving mixtures forward (rich), turning on boost pumps, and switching fuel back to main tanks. When carburetor heat was applied, the engine lost an additional 300 RPM, which the pilot considered normal, and he turned off the carburetor heat after 30 to 45 seconds.
The pilot then attempted to conduct an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). During the approach, the left engine began to lose power. The pilot subsequently initiated a forced landing.
According to the pilot, the airplane broke out of the overcast at an altitude between 600 and 900 feet above ground level, encountering snow and blowing snow that restricted visibility. During the landing, the airplane impacted wires and a tree. The accident site was approximately five miles east of the intended airport.
Examination
A subsequent examination of the airplane revealed no preexisting anomalies.