Carburetor Icing Leads to Partial Power Loss and Stall During Low-Altitude Maneuvering (N2078P)

Incident Summary

The pilot received weather information for the return flight that forecast ceilings below VFR minimums with drizzle and fog from a slow moving cold front. He proceeded with the flight at low altitude and encountered carburetor icing conditions, which resulted in a partial loss of power. He diverted to a nearby airport.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses observed the airplane maneuvering at an altitude less than 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and making sharp left turning maneuvers around the airport. They also reported observing the airplane's nose drop before the left wing impacted the terrain near the approach end of runway 17. It was later determined that the airplane was attempting to land with a tailwind.

Passenger Statement

According to a passenger, the pilot had both carburetor heat controls on during the low-level maneuvers to keep the runway in sight and continued to manipulate the power before the airspeed dropped and the stall occurred.

Meteorological Conditions

The temperature of 46 degrees Fahrenheit and dew point of 43 degrees placed the airplane in serious icing at cruise power.