Incident Overview
The pilot completed a flight carrying a load of skydivers. After landing, the pilot dipped the left fuel tank, which indicated 15 gallons of fuel. Subsequently, the pilot flew another flight to 3,500 feet above mean sea level and began a descent. During the descent, the pilot reduced power to 1,600 rpm and 16 inches of manifold pressure, and applied full carburetor heat.
Engine Failure
As the aircraft approached pattern altitude, approximately 1,000 feet above ground level, the engine quit without warning. The pilot successfully restarted the engine, but it quit a second time. This necessitated an off-airport forced landing.
Forced Landing and Impact
The aircraft impacted trees and came to rest in treetops approximately 2 miles east of the destination airport.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the airframe, engine, and carburetor revealed no anomalies which would have prevented normal operations.