Accident Details
During a routine practice of ground reference maneuvers, the pilot of an airplane experienced what he described as a temporary partial loss of power. The pilot decided to return to the airport. While en route, the nose landing gear struck a power line. Despite this, the pilot continued the flight back to the airport.
Damage and Landing
When the pilot attempted to land, the nose landing gear collapsed aft, substantially damaging the firewall. The aircraft sustained significant structural damage.
Investigation
Investigators reviewed the carburetor icing probability chart, which indicated that the weather conditions during the flight—a temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and a dew point of 6 degrees Celsius—were conducive to light icing during glide and cruise power. However, the investigation was unable to determine a cause for the reported power loss. No other factors were identified.