Incident Overview
A pilot completed a paradrop and began a descent for landing. While entering the downwind leg, the pilot performed engine-clearing procedures: the mixture control was set to full rich, and carburetor heat was applied. As the aircraft was above traffic pattern altitude, the pilot extended the downwind leg.
Engine Failure
Upon turning to the base leg, the pilot attempted to add power, but the engine did not respond. The pilot switched the fuel selector from the both position to the right tank and then to the left tank. Despite these actions, the engine continued to windmill.
Forced Landing
The pilot executed a forced landing. The aircraft touched down perpendicular to the rows of a cotton field and subsequently nosed over.
Fuel Findings
Post-accident examination found approximately 1 gallon of fuel in the right tank and 3 gallons in the left tank. The aircraft had flown for 1.6 hours since it was last fueled with 19 gallons. The total fuel quantity after the last refueling is unknown. The engine manufacturer estimated that the engine would have consumed about 19 gallons during the 1.6-hour flight period. The aircraft manufacturer stated that each fuel tank contains 1.5 gallons of unusable fuel.
Carburetor Icing Possibility
A carburetor icing probability chart indicated that carburetor icing was possible at glide and cruise power settings.