What happened
While flying at approximately 100 feet above ground level, the pilot of the aircraft attempted to increase power to climb over rising terrain. Immediately following the application of power, the engine began running roughly. In response, the pilot applied carburetor heat; however, this action caused a further reduction in engine power.
The pilot then moved the carburetor heat control through a series of on-off-on settings to address suspected carburetor icing. Because these efforts failed to restore the engine to full power, the pilot decided to perform an emergency landing in a nearby clearing. During the final approach to the clearing, the aircraft stalled and mushed into the terrain at approximately 20 feet above ground level. The pilot was not injured.
Findings
Analysis of the environmental conditions indicated that, based on the DOT/FAA Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, carburetor icing was a likely occurrence given the temperature and dew point present at the accident site during the event.