Accident Details
The pilot was returning to land after releasing a glider. Two miles from the airport, the pilot established the airplane on final approach and selected flaps down. At that time, the left fuel tank was observed to be half full, and the right fuel tank was described as a little less than half full. The pilot then repositioned the fuel selector to the left tank. Approximately one minute later, while at an altitude of 1,000 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a loss of power.
The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. Subsequently, the pilot reselected the right fuel tank, pulled the carburetor heat control, pumped the throttle, and made another restart attempt. When the engine did not respond, the pilot completed a forced landing. During the rollout, the airplane sustained substantial damage.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, the engine idled smoothly. The fuel selector was switched between the left tank, right tank, and off positions. The engine stopped only when the selector was moved close to the off detent.
Relevant Advisory
According to the FAA publication 'Tips On Winter Flying,' the accident conditions bordered between serious icing with glide power and serious icing with cruise or climb power. The publication also stated that carburetor heat should be used whenever atmospheric conditions indicate icing is a possibility and the engine is being operated at 75 percent power and below.