Incident Summary
On February 28, 1986, at 0830 Pacific Standard Time, a Piper PA-28 collided with a tree after executing a forced landing. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed at the time of the incident.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft flew into deteriorating weather conditions during its enroute phase. In an attempt to rise above the weather, the pilot climbed to 11,000 feet MSL. During the climb, IMC was encountered. After several minutes at altitude, the engine began to run roughly, and the aircraft could no longer maintain altitude. The carburetor heat was partially on throughout the climb and was set to full on during cruise at 11,000 feet, with the mixture kept full rich. As the aircraft descended, it broke out of the clouds at 200 feet AGL in snow showers. The pilot then landed the aircraft in rough terrain adjacent to a road that was paralleled by wires. The aircraft subsequently collided with a tree.
Weather Conditions
IMC prevailed at the time of the incident. The aircraft encountered snow showers at low altitude after descending from the cloud layer.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-28. No registration or further details about the aircraft were provided in the source. The carburetor heat was partially applied during the climb and fully applied during cruise, with the mixture set to full rich.