Flight and Weather Conditions
The pilot filed an IFR flight plan and received a standard weather briefing. The briefing included a forecast for light snow along the entire route. An AIRMET warned of occasional moderate rime or mixed ice in clouds and precipitation from 6,000 to 12,000 feet msl, and a PIREP reported light rime ice at 5,000 feet msl.
Loss of Power
About 20 minutes after departure, while cruising at 5,000 feet in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) for approximately 10 minutes, the pilot observed snow. Several minutes later, the engine lost all power. The pilot applied carburetor heat as part of the restart checklist, but the engine did not restart.
Forced Landing
The pilot performed a forced landing to trees. FAA Advisory Circular AC 20-113 cautions pilots about impact ice forming on intake screens and carburetors when flying in snow, and advises using carburetor heat as a preventative measure rather than as a deicer.
Post-Accident Inspection
After the accident, an FAA inspector attended a test run of the accident engine. The inspector stated that the engine started with no difficulty and ran continuously.