Flight and Power Loss
A pilot reported departing on a 1-hour cross-country flight with 26 gallons of fuel onboard. The cruise altitude varied between 2,500 and 3,000 feet mean sea level (msl). As the airplane neared the destination airport, engine power was reduced to approximately 2,300 rpm to descend to traffic pattern altitude. On the downwind leg, power was further reduced to 2,000 rpm to slow to approach airspeed. During the turn to base leg, a final power reduction was made and carburetor heat was activated.
While turning to base leg, the engine began to lose power. The pilot described the loss as gradual, occurring over about 5 seconds, not instantaneously. The engine did not respond to throttle or mixture control movements. The pilot estimated the loss occurred at 700-800 feet above ground level (agl) on base leg.
Landing and Damage
Concerned about stalling, the pilot established a descent to maintain airspeed above stall speed. The airplane landed in a grass area approximately 50 feet short of the runway. Shortly after touchdown, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to an abrupt stop.
Environmental Conditions
At the accident site, the temperature was 17 degrees Celsius and the dew point was 12 degrees Celsius. According to the data, those conditions indicated the possibility of moderate carburetor icing at cruise power and serious icing at descent power.