What happened
A 300-hour private pilot was operating a Cessna 377 on a flight originating from another state, covering a distance of 337 nautical miles. While established on the base leg of the traffic pattern at the destination airport, the aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to execute a forced landing into a golf course. Shortly before touchdown, the tailwheel-equipped aircraft collided with mature trees and impacted the ground. The aircraft came to rest in an upright position. The pilot and both passengers were not injured and were able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
An inspection of the engine was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, which revealed no pre-impact anomalies or discrepancies. Aviation fuel was confirmed to be present at the accident site. During the investigation, the pilot noted that he did not utilize carburetor heat during his descent or while flying in the traffic pattern.
Findings
Based on weather conditions at the time of the accident—specifically a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a dew point of 55 degrees Fahrenheit—a carburetor icing probability chart from a DOT/FAA/CT-82/44 publication indicated a possibility of serious carburetor icing at glide power.