Summary
An aircraft experienced an abrupt loss of power in both engines while cruising at 14,000 feet. The incident occurred during flight in snow with an outside air temperature of approximately 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The aircraft descended to 3,000 feet MSL, during which engine power was regained. Upon breaking out of an undercast with limited vertical and lateral clearance surrounded by upsloping terrain, the pilot elected to execute a precautionary landing at a nearby abandoned airstrip. During the landing roll, the aircraft impacted small trees that had grown in the landing area.
Event Details
The aircraft was established in cruise at 14,000 feet with 21 inches of manifold pressure when both engines abruptly lost power. The exterior conditions included snowfall and an outside air temperature of about 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The descent to 3,000 feet MSL allowed the engines to regain power. The pilot then encountered a break in the cloud cover providing approximately 800 feet of vertical clearance and 1 square mile of lateral airspace. Given the upsloping terrain surrounding the aircraft, the pilot decided to land on an abandoned airstrip nearby. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck small trees that had grown in the landing area, causing damage.
Post-Crash Investigation
A post-crash investigation revealed moisture within both air induction systems. Examination determined that both alternate air systems were capable of proper operation. Additionally, uncontaminated fuel was found within all four fuel tanks, indicating that fuel quality was not a factor in the power loss.