Accident Overview
A commercial/pilot-rated passenger reported that the takeoff was uneventful until the airplane reached an altitude of a few hundred feet. At that point, a loud noise resembling a backfire was heard, and the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing approach to a small field located within a congested industrial park.
Sequence of Events
During the approach, the left wing of the airplane impacted a tree. Subsequently, the airplane yawed, the left wing dropped, and the airplane impacted the terrain. The investigation revealed no evidence of a preimpact mechanical failure.
Environmental Conditions
At the time of the accident, the temperature and dew point were 53 and 52 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. According to icing probability charts, these conditions were conducive for serious carburetor icing. The carburetor heat was found in the 'OFF' position.
Investigation Findings
The investigation noted that while no mechanical failure was found, the environmental conditions and the position of the carburetor heat control indicated a high likelihood of carburetor icing, which could have led to the engine power loss. No further contributing factors were identified.