Incident Overview
Approximately seven minutes after departure, the aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot executed an emergency landing in a pasture. During the landing, the airplane collided with three fence posts and barbed wire, resulting in damage to the propeller.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that he did not apply carburetor heat in response to the loss of power.
Post-Accident Inspection
A subsequent inspection of the aircraft revealed no mechanical malfunction, failure, or fuel contamination. After replacing the damaged propeller, the engine was started and operationally tested to 1500 rpm, operating normally.
Environmental Conditions
Weather observations from Marysville, California, located about 31 miles south-southeast of the accident site, recorded a temperature of 55°F and a dew point of 41°F at 2255 PST. According to icing probability charts, these conditions were conducive to moderate carburetor icing at cruise power.