Accident Overview
A pilot was conducting a flight to show the airplane to two prospective buyers. Several minutes after departure, the engine lost power. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. During the subsequent forced landing, the pilot maneuvered to avoid utility lines. The airplane collided with the ground and came to rest adjacent to a fence inside a pasture.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane at the accident site revealed that the carburetor assembly had separated from its normally installed position. During further examination of the engine, raw fuel was observed on several spark plugs, and multiple cylinders contained dark residue inside the combustion chambers. A functional check of the engine showed it operated normally up to 2,000 RPM.
Weather Conditions
A review of weather data and icing probability charts for the approximate time of the accident disclosed that conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice.