Accident Overview
According to the pilot, while on approach approximately 2 to 3 miles north of the runway, the engine began "sputtering" and experienced a partial loss of power. Despite making it back to the 2,000-foot-long turf runway, the pilot touched down too fast and overran the runway. Attempting to clear an embankment, the pilot pulled up, but the airplane stalled about 30 feet above the ground and impacted a field nose down.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the carburetor revealed corrosion present in and around the air and fuel jets, blocking fuel flow through the carburetor jet. Further inspection found a large amount of corrosion around the carburetor's drain plug. The airplane's most recent annual inspection had been completed one month prior to the accident; however, disassembly inspection of the carburetor was not required during an annual inspection.
Conclusion
The investigation identified carburetor corrosion as the cause of the partial power loss, which led to the high-speed touchdown and subsequent stall.