Incident Overview
A pilot operating an airplane from a lake experienced an engine power loss sequence during takeoff. According to the incident report, the pilot taxied with carburetor heat engaged and then disengaged it just before initiating the takeoff roll from the lake surface.
Engine Behavior
At approximately 300 feet above the water during the initial climb, the engine began running roughly. In response, the pilot re-applied carburetor heat, which resulted in the engine smoothing out. However, after the pilot removed the carburetor heat again, the engine lost total power.
Forced Landing
The pilot executed a forced landing onto a gravel road located at the end of the lake. During the landing, the airplane's struts collapsed. Post-incident inspection of the airframe, engine, and carburetor revealed no mechanical anomalies. The engine was subsequently run on a test stand and operated normally.
Carburetor Icing Conditions
Meteorological conditions at the time indicated that the combination of temperature and dew point fell within the 'moderate icing - cruise power' range of the Transport Canada carburetor icing chart.