On October 27, 1992, a Grumman American AA-5 (registration N8869L) operated by Tar Heel Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Snow Hill, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO USE CARBURETOR HEAT, WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. FACTORS WERE THE CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS, AND THE DARK NIGHT LIGHTING CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a return flight, the pilot reported an engine failure and attempted a forced landing on a rural road. The aircraft struck a tree, severed its wing, nosed over, and erupted in flames, destroying the aircraft.
Event
Approximately 15 minutes into a return flight, the pilot informed air traffic control that the aircraft's engine had failed and that he was attempting a forced landing on a rural road. The accident occurred at night under visual meteorological conditions. During the landing, the aircraft touched down and subsequently collided with a pine tree. The left wing was severed, and the aircraft nosed over, coming to rest inverted. A fire erupted, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.
Investigation
Post-accident inspection of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure. According to carburetor icing charts, conditions at the time were conducive to carburetor icing. No other causal factors were identified.
