What happened
The pilot was returning to land after releasing a glider. While two miles from the airport, the pilot established the airplane on final approach and selected flaps down. At that time, the pilot noted the left fuel tank was half full and the right fuel and tank was slightly less than half full.
After the pilot repositioned the fuel selector to the left tank, the engine experienced a loss of power approximately one minute later while at 1,000 feet above the ground. The pilot attempted an unsuccessful restart. Following this, the pilot reselected the right fuel tank, applied carburetor heat, pumped the throttle, and attempted another start. When the engine failed to respond, the pilot completed a forced landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage during the rollout.
The investigation
The investigation found that the engine idled smoothly after the accident. The fuel selector was capable of being switched between the left tank, right tank, and off positions. The engine stopped only when the selector was moved close to the off detent.
Findings
Atmospheric conditions during the event bordered between serious icing with glide power and serious icing with cruise or climb power.