Primary finding
Probable cause
Carburetor icing. Factors relating to the accident were the lack of a carburetor heat control system and the freshly plowed field.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The experimental airplane experienced a power loss during cruise flight. The pilot attempted to execute a forced landing in a freshly plowed field, but nosed over in the soft soil. The pilot stated that all he could think of is carb icing. He stated that the temperature was dropping fast, with air temperature at 66 degrees f (fahrenheit), dew point 38 degrees f. The aircraft engine is not equipped with a carburetor heat system. According to the icing probability charts, the flight conditions were such that the probability for carburetor icing was high during cruise and gliding flight.
Source record
Factual narrative
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