Accident Details
During a turning maneuver onto final approach at an altitude between 750 and 800 feet, the engine lost power. The pilot activated carburetor heat and attempted to restart the engine, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The pilot conducted a forced landing in a field just short of the runway. During the landing, the aircraft collided with a fence, which caused both wings to separate from the fuselage and all fuel tanks to rupture.
Investigation Findings
Postcrash examination of the aircraft and engine revealed that the carburetor contained uncontaminated fuel. The fuel tanks were free of debris and the fuel vent system was unobstructed. The engine was subsequently started and operated for a duration of five minutes without any evidence of failure or malfunction.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the ambient temperature and dew point were recorded as approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit and 76 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. According to icing probability charts, these conditions were conducive to carburetor ice formation.