Accident Details
A recently certificated private pilot was conducting a flight to allow a passenger to take aerial photographs of a farm house. The pilot reported reducing engine power and descending to an altitude between 800 and 1,000 feet above ground level. While circling the farm, the pilot had the power setting pulled back approximately halfway. When attempting to apply full power to gain altitude, the engine seized. The airplane subsequently performed an off-airport forced landing on a snow-covered farm field. During the landing, the nose gear collapsed after a 75-foot-long landing roll, causing firewall damage. The pilot stated that he did not use carburetor heat during the circling maneuver.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident inspection revealed that the engine turned freely when rotated by hand and when the ignition was engaged. Examination of the spark plugs showed they were black in color from soot accumulation. The engine was manually rotated and the ignition was activated without issue.
Pilot Information
The pilot had accumulated a total of 61 hours of flight time at the time of the accident. The pilot was recently certificated, indicating limited experience.