Incident Overview
The pilot of a general aviation aircraft performed a descent from 3,000 feet with the engine power off and the carburetor heat on. After entering the traffic pattern for landing, the pilot briefly cleared the engine on the downwind and base legs, and the engine responded normally.
Loss of Power on Final Approach
While on final approach, the pilot advanced the throttle, but the engine did not respond. The aircraft subsequently touched down in a field. During the landing roll, it rolled up an embankment, became airborne again, and collided with the airport fence.
Post-Crash Examination
A post-crash examination revealed that the aircraft's fuel was uncontaminated, and there was no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction of the engine. Each propeller blade was bent forward as a result of ground contact, and approximately three inches of blade tip had separated from each blade. Damage to portions of the airport fence post was consistent with the propeller being turned by engine power at the time of impact.