Accident Overview
A pilot landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane at an off-airport site aborted the landing during the landing roll. The airplane was unable to clear terrain at the departure end, approximately 400 feet from the abort point, and impacted the ground. Both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Statements
In a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge shortly after the accident, the pilot stated that no preaccident mechanical anomalies would have precluded normal operation. In a subsequent written statement, the pilot indicated that the engine may not have been producing full power, but he did not realize it and took no corrective action such as applying carburetor heat.
During a later telephone conversation, the pilot reported that he had been flying at reduced power settings during reconnaissance passes, with occasional use of carburetor heat to clear possible carburetor ice. He also stated that his normal before-landing procedure includes turning off carburetor heat on short final.
Carburetor Icing Probability
According to a carburetor icing probability chart, an airplane operating in the ambient conditions reported by the pilot at the accident site could expect serious carburetor icing while at cruise power.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.