Flight and Weather Conditions
A commercial certificated pilot was conducting an on-demand air taxi flight with four passengers. The pilot reported the weather along the route as an overcast ceiling between 4,000 and 5,000 feet, visibility 10 miles, temperatures of 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with areas of snow showers above 2,000 feet and rain showers below 2,000 feet.
Incident Sequence
During a left turn from the base leg to the final approach heading of the landing pattern at the destination airport, the engine sputtered. The pilot confirmed there were no caution lights on the instrument panel and that the fuel selector was positioned on the right wing tip fuel tank. He then selected carburetor heat, after which the engine lost almost all power. From about 200 feet above the ground, the pilot selected an emergency landing area on the bank of a river, short of the landing threshold.
Emergency Landing and Damage
During the ground collision, all landing gear were sheared off, and the left wing was buckled. No information about injuries to occupants or further damage was provided in the source.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. According to published carburetor icing charts, the meteorological conditions were conducive to severe icing under descent power.