The pilot/builder's decision to use a lubricant that was not designed for high-speed aviation applications, which resulted in the failure of the propeller needle thrust bearing due to the loss of lubrication from overheating, a total loss of aerodynamic thrust, and a subsequent forced landing.

The pilot's inadvertent stall during a forced landing. A contributing factor was the pilot's failure to place the electronic prop controller in the manual mode prior to aborting the landing which resulted in a loss of engine power.

The inadequate weather evaluation and delayed application of carburetor heat by the pilot, and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. The carburetor icing conditions and the low altitude were factors.