Incident Details
An aircraft was descending for approximately 7 miles at low power and a slow rate for landing at White Marsh Airport. The descent began at 2,800 feet and continued straight in to Runway 27. At about 200 yards from the runway and at 200 feet AGL, the pilot decided that power was needed to land properly. As the throttle was applied, the engine sputtered and coughed, according to the pilot, before quitting completely.
The pilot then turned the aircraft to the left to line up with Interstate 95 southbound. A truck interfered with the intended highway landing, prompting the pilot to bank the aircraft to the right to land on the graded 40-foot-wide shoulder of the interstate. Upon touchdown, the aircraft struck trees and ground-looped to a stop.
Pilot Statement
In his report, the pilot stated that over Phillips Air Force Base he noticed the fuel gauges were reading 5 gallons each and bouncing around. He expressed the opinion that carburetor ice or magneto failure were causal factors in the engine failure. He also stated that he ran out of time to go through any emergency procedures, as he did not become aware of a need for action until the application of throttle at 200 feet AGL on final approach.