Accident Overview
The accident occurred while a pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings. A private pilot rated passenger occupied the rear seat. On the fourth landing attempt, the airplane extended its downwind leg and appeared very low on final approach. The airplane descended at the same rate as in previous attempts, and no pitch changes were observed.
Impact and Resting Position
The airplane impacted a stand of trees, nosed over, and struck terrain. It came to rest approximately 467 feet from the runway threshold.
Wreckage Examination
Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions of the airframe or engine. The airplane was operating on automotive gasoline under a supplemental type certificate. The spark plugs were covered with black carbon deposits.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had accumulated about 63 total flight hours, of which approximately 10 hours were in the accident make and model. The pilot's last logged flight was about seven months prior to the accident.
Weather and Carburetor Icing Conditions
The carburetor icing probability chart published by the FAA, based on temperature and dew-point reported at an airport about 18 miles west of the accident site, placed conditions in the 'serious icing at glide power' section.