Flight Details
During a VFR flight, the pilot reported an uneventful departure, climb, and en route portion. Upon entering the terminal area, the pilot received clearance to land on runway 30 and began a descent to 1,000 feet above ground level.
Loss of Engine Power
While on a right downwind leg, the pilot reduced engine power to between 1,500 and 1,700 rpm. The mixture control was set to full rich, and the fuel pump and carburetor heat were selected to 'ON'. On the base leg, the pilot observed the aircraft was approximately 200 feet low. An attempt to increase power did not result in an engine response. The pilot then checked the mixture control, fuel selector, fuel pump switch, and magneto switches but did not identify any configuration issues. Subsequently, the pilot turned the carburetor heat to 'OFF' and set the throttle to full open, yet the engine still did not respond.
Forced Landing
Unable to reach the airport, the pilot identified an open field and selected full flaps. The airplane touched down, bounced once, touched down again, and then struck a tree with the left wing before coming to a stop.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, an engine run was performed. The engine ran 'normally' but idled between 450 and 500 rpm, lower than the recommended 750 rpm. With carburetor heat 'ON' and the throttle at idle, the engine 'almost quit'. Additionally, weather conditions at the accident site were documented as conducive for serious icing with glide power.