NTSB Factual Report

On October 27, 2002, at 1130 central standard time, an amateur-built Mork Kitfox III, N192MB, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing to a cornfield after a loss of engine power. The private pilot was not injured. The Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight departed from the pilot's grass airstrip near Evansville, Wisconsin, at 1000, on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported that he was turning from left base to final when the engine failed to respond. He reported, "I applied power and the engine would not come up in RPM's and/or seized." He landed in a cornfield about 500 feet from the approach end of his private grass airstrip.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector examined the airplane. He reported that during the initial inspection, the engine and flight controls exhibited continuity and no anomalies were noted.

The inspection of the engine revealed the following: the cylinder compression was good; the carburetor bowls contained clean automotive fuel; the throttle slides moved freely; the intake manifold were properly installed; and the air filter was normal. The carburetor was removed and the rotary valve was inspected with no defects found. The rotary timing was correct. The pistons and combustion chambers were checked with no defects found. The piston rings were free within the ring grooves and there was no carbon buildup on the piston domes.

The engine was removed from the airframe and placed on an engine test stand. The FAA inspector who was present during the engine run reported, "The engine started without effort and produced power as designed. No abnormalities were noted."

The pilot reported that the local temperature at Evansville, Wisconsin, was 5 degrees Celsius and the dew point was - 3 degrees Celsius. The Transport Canada Carburetor Icing Chart indicates that the possibility of "Serious icing" existed when "descent power" was used.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor is the unsuitable terrain.