Event Description
A pilot reported that during the descent phase of flight, he applied carburetor heat as part of the landing procedure. Immediately after, the engine rpm decreased to about 1000. The pilot attempted to adjust the engine power but was unable to increase the rpm. Consequently, the pilot decided to perform a landing on a dirt area located in a landfill southeast of the airport. During the landing rollout on the uneven terrain, the nose gear collapsed rearward.
Debris Examination
Examination revealed straw debris surrounding the heat muff that connects to the carburetor air box. Inside the air box, behind the air cleaner bracket, a large quantity of similar debris was present.
Weather and Carburetor Icing Considerations
At the time of the event, the ambient temperature was 67 degrees Fahrenheit and the dew point was 53 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the carburetor icing probability chart, this combination of temperature and dew point falls within a range that is annotated for moderate carburetor icing at cruise power and serious carburetor icing at glide power.