Accident Details
The pilot of a single-engine airplane was returning from a one-hour cruise flight and established a straight-in approach to the landing runway. On final approach, the pilot set the flaps to 10 degrees and applied carburetor heat, noting that he was "slightly low for landing." Upon increasing the throttle, there was no corresponding increase in engine power.
Pilot Actions
Realizing the power loss, the pilot checked that the primer was in and the mixture was set to full rich. He determined that the airplane would not reach the runway and began scanning for a suitable alternate landing area. The airplane subsequently struck a tree and came to rest in a pond.
Post-Accident Findings
Fuel was present in the wing tanks. A post-accident engine run was performed and found to be satisfactory, with no mechanical issues identified. A carburetor icing chart indicated that the atmospheric conditions were conducive to moderate icing at cruise power and serious icing at glide power.