What happened
On the day of the accident, the pilot took off at 11:25 am following the installation of an overhauled carburetor. The initial climb was reported as strong. While flying on a downwind leg at 1,000 feet above ground level, the pilot applied carburetor heat and reduced power. Approximately five seconds later, an attempt to increase power resulted in total engine failure.
Because the descent rate exceeded the distance to the nearest airport, the pilot opted for a forced landing in a nearby field. Although the pilot initially believed the area was a hard-packed bean field, it was actually a potato field that was soft and soaked from recent rain, containing ruts approximately 1.5 to 2 feet deep. The landing proceeded normally until the nose gear struck a rut and dug into the ground, causing the aircraft to flip onto its top. The aircraft sustained damage during the nose-over.
The investigation
An examination of the wreckage showed no pre-impact anomalies regarding the airframe, engine, or the newly installed carburetor. Meteorological data recorded a local temperature of 28 degrees C and a dew point of 16 degrees C. When plotted on a Transport Canada Carburetor Icing chart, these values indicated conditions within the serious icing/descent power area.