What happened
The aircraft crashed into trees while attempting a forced landing shortly after takeoff. During the initial climbout phase, the pilot reported that the engine failed to develop full power. At the time of the incident, ambient conditions included an air temperature of 91 degrees Fahrenheit and a dew point of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pilot noted that the carburetor heat control was positioned in the cold setting during the operation. Given the loss of power, the pilot elected to land straight ahead rather than attempting a turn back to the airport. The aircraft ultimately impacted trees during this forced landing maneuver.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine the mechanical status of the engine and airframe. The inspection failed to reveal any pre-existing malfunctions or failures in the material components. This finding suggests that the power loss was not caused by a mechanical defect within the engine itself.
Findings
The investigation highlighted several critical factors contributing to the accident. The high temperature combined with a significant dew point created conditions conducive to carburetor ice formation, even at higher ambient temperatures. The decision to keep the carburetor heat control in the cold position likely allowed ice to accumulate within the carburetor, restricting fuel-air flow and causing the engine to fail to develop full power.
The pilot's choice to land straight ahead was a standard procedure for single-engine aircraft experiencing sudden power loss at low altitude, though it resulted in impact with terrain. The lack of mechanical failure points to environmental conditions and operational settings as the primary drivers of the event.