Sequence of Events
During a local maneuvering flight, the pilot noticed a significant loss of engine power. In response, the pilot searched for a suitable landing area and spotted a sandbar adjacent to a river. The pilot initiated an approach toward the sandbar and applied carburetor heat. As the engine power began to recover, the aircraft reached tree-top height along the river. At that point, the pilot saw wires crossing the river. Despite the partial power recovery, the pilot could not reestablish a climb to clear the wires. The airplane struck the wires and then impacted the sandbar in an inverted attitude.
Injuries
The pilot and a passenger sustained minor injuries during the accident sequence.
Meteorological Conditions
The atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were favorable for the formation of carburetor icing when operating at cruise and glide power settings. The reported temperature was 34 degrees Celsius, and the dew point was 23 degrees Celsius.
Post-accident Inspection
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the accident site noted no pre-impact anomalies with the aircraft.