What happened
The pilot initiated a low pass over a beach area with the intention of executing a landing on the sand. During this maneuver, the pilot applied full throttle to gain altitude. The aircraft climbed to approximately 300 feet above ground level before the engine ceased producing power. The sudden loss of thrust resulted in an emergency situation requiring immediate attention.
The investigation
Following the incident, investigators examined both the engine and the airframe to determine the cause of the power interruption. The mechanical inspection revealed no evidence of internal engine failure or structural damage that would explain the loss of power. The components appeared functional from a mechanical standpoint, suggesting an operational or environmental cause rather than a hardware defect.
Findings
The investigation highlighted two critical factors contributing to the event. First, the pilot was utilizing automotive fuel instead of aviation-grade gasoline, which is unsuitable for aircraft engines. Second, the pilot could not recall whether carburetor heat had been applied during the low pass. The combination of inappropriate fuel and potential carburetor icing likely led to fuel starvation or ice accumulation within the carburetor, causing the engine to stop.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure they use only approved aviation fuels for their aircraft. Additionally, proper application of carburetor heat is essential during low-power operations to prevent icing, which can cause sudden engine failure.