The pilot reported that, while on final approach, he performed the landing checklist and confirmed that
the carburetor heat was on. About 100 feet above ground level, he advanced the throttle; however, the
engine did not respond. The pilot verified that the mixture, throttle, and propeller setting were in the fullforward
position, but, despite his efforts, the engine would not restart. He subsequently initiated a forced
landing to an open area. During the landing, the airplane impacted a ditch and nosed over. Seven gallons
of fuel were found in the right fuel tank, and 11 gallons of fuel were found in the left fuel tank. A
postaccident examination and operational run of the recovered engine revealed no evidence of
mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Although the reported
weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the accumulation of carburetor icing at
glide power, the pilot reported that he used carburetor heat, which would have prevented the
accumulation of ice. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
DiverDriver.com