Accident Details
The pilot, who had accumulated 833.9 hours of flight time, was conducting a pipeline patrol mission when he noticed the engine beginning to lose power. As airspeed decreased, he applied carburetor heat and observed that the engine did not run roughly. After pushing the carburetor heat back in, the engine continued to lose power. At an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level, the pilot initiated a forced landing to a nearby field. During the landing roll, the nose gear dug into the terrain, causing the airplane to nose over.
Weather Conditions
Approximately 24 minutes before the accident, weather observations at an airport located 16 miles from the accident site reported a temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a dew point of 45 degrees Fahrenheit. According to a Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, at the operating temperature and dew point, the airplane was within the range described as "moderate icing - cruise power or serious icing - glide power."
Outcome
Post-accident examination revealed no mechanical anomalies with either the engine or the airframe.