Accident Details
The amphibious airplane was en route to its destination. Upon arrival, the temperature was 75°F and the dew point was 43°F, conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power. The pilot reported that while entering the base leg, he reduced power and began the descent for landing. During the descent, he reapplied power, but the engine was unresponsive. The pilot's attempts to restore power were unsuccessful, and he initiated an off-airport forced landing to a grass field northeast of the airport.
Impact and Damage
Due to insufficient altitude, the airplane struck a vehicle before the airplane stalled and impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and left wing lift strut.
Investigation Findings
The pilot stated he was unsure whether there were any mechanical malfunctions with the engine but did believe the loss of power resulted from carburetor icing. A postaccident engine examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.