Summary
During the first circuit of the training period the pilot completed the turn onto base leg of the circuit at about
800-1000 feet and then selected what he believed was the carburettor heat control. He then closed the throttle
to make a gliding approach with 8° of flap lowered. At a height of 150 to 100 feet when slightly undershooting
the pilot opened the throttle but the engine failed to respond. He then closed and opened the throttle again
without result and he checked that the fuel and fuel pump were both selected "ON". Before he could check the
carburettor heat, the cabin heat and the mixture controls, all of which are similar in appearance and
operation, he was obliged to concentrate on the imminent landing in a paddock short of the strip. The aircraft
touched down, bounced over a shallow ditch and then struck a fence and trees. Although the aircraft was
substantially damaged, the engine was not damaged and a subsequent examination of it revealed no defect.
Ambient conditions were conducive to carburettor icing.
