Accident Details
The flight was returning to the departure airport when the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. According to the pilot, he attempted to restart the engine several times but was unable to. The airplane subsequently collided with trees approximately one mile east of the airport.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that carburetor heat was applied during the restart attempts. However, there was no report by the pilot of the application of carburetor heat prior to the loss of engine power.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the engine assembly after the accident failed to disclose a mechanical problem. The engine appeared to have no preexisting issues that would have caused the power loss.
Weather Conditions
A review of weather data at the approximate time of the accident disclosed that conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor icing.