Accident Overview
A pilot was climbing to cross a remote mountain pass when the airplane's engine lost partial power. The pilot then turned the airplane to the left, after which the engine lost total power and the aircraft began descending very rapidly.
Forced Landing
The pilot attempted a forced landing onto a road but was unable to reach it, instead landing in an area of rocks and a ditch. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
Post-Crash Fire
Following the landing, a postaccident fire destroyed the airplane.
Carburetor Icing Conditions
Plotting the temperature and dew point observed at the time of the accident on a carburetor icing probability chart placed the conditions as probable for serious carburetor icing during cruise or climb power. The pilot stated that he did not use carburetor heat during the climb or after the engine lost power.