Incident Overview
According to the official investigation, the aircraft was in cruise flight at an altitude between 1,600 and 1,700 feet when the pilot reported encountering a very turbulent updraft that passed promptly. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft began to perform sluggishly, shake, and exhibit a sensation of no pitch control. The engine then quit, and attempts to restart it were unsuccessful.
Descent and Impact
Following the engine failure, the aircraft began an uncontrolled descent. While maneuvering toward a field for a forced landing, the aircraft crashed into trees.
Post-Crash Examination
A post-crash examination of the aircraft, flight controls, and engine revealed no evidence of precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. Icing probability curves showed that the aircraft was operating in conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing at cruise power.