In a written statement and in telephone conversations with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator, the pilot reported that earlier in the morning he had picked up passengers and was planning a full stop at the destination airport. While on final approach in the traffic pattern, he noted that the airplane was descending too fast. He attempted to increase the engine rpm by pushing the throttle forward. The engine did not respond as he expected, with no increase in rpm occurring from the throttle movement until just prior to touchdown. The airplane touched down hard on the runway surface. The airplane bounced back airborne and the pilot manipulated the throttle full aft to bring the engine to idle. The airplane touched down again and the pilot experienced a loss of control. The nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane continued to skid; it came to rest inverted

The closest official weather observation station was 15 miles east of the airport. A Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) issued 5 minutes prior to the accident indicated a temperature of 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit, a dewpoint of 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and a relative humidity of 88 percent. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, these conditions are conducive for serious icing at glide power.

The airplane incurred damage to the vertical stabilizer during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that aside from the engine not immediately responding to his throttle control, there were no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures.