Flight and Approach
The pilot flew the airplane for 1 hour and 40 minutes without noting any deficiencies. After entering the airport traffic pattern, he reduced power and applied carburetor heat. While turning onto the final approach course, the pilot reduced the throttle to idle, and the engine ceased producing power.
Forced Landing
Unable to glide to the runway, the pilot executed a forced landing to a railroad bed. The airplane came to rest on the tracks.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed that actuation of the carburetor heat control would not move the control arm on the air control box. Further inspection disclosed a kink in the control cable, approximately one inch above an unauthorized repair or modification to the control arm-cable connection.
Maintenance History
According to the airplane owner, no repairs or modifications were made to the air control box actuating system since he purchased the airplane. Additionally, the modification was not noted or corrected during a recent annual inspection.
Atmospheric Conditions
The atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to carburetor icing at glide or cruise power settings.