Accident Overview
The accident occurred following a takeoff conducted in low ceilings, rain, and carburetor icing conditions. The pilot failed to maintain the assigned heading or climb to the assigned altitude. Radar data depicted the airplane executing a meandering flight path, and radio communications with air traffic control were sporadic and ineffectual. Although the pilot reported reaching the assigned altitude of 4,000 feet, radar data indicated the highest altitude attained was 2,300 feet.
Flight Path and Communications
Analysis of radar returns revealed that the aircraft did not follow the expected departure course. Instead, it traveled in an erratic, wandering manner. The pilot's radio transmissions were intermittent and lacked clarity. At no point did the pilot communicate any distress or deviation from clearance.
Wreckage Examination
Post-accident inspection of the wreckage revealed the carburetor heat valve was locked in an intermediate position. Evidence indicated low engine power at the time of impact. Disassembly of the carburetor airbox showed scrape marks on its interior, suggesting the carburetor heat valve had been forced toward the warm position by impact forces. The spark plugs exhibited light sooting, consistent with an over-rich mixture or incomplete combustion. Additionally, a pilot who had departed to search for the reported accident stated that he encountered carburetor icing just after takeoff.
Pilot Experience
Review of the pilot's flight records indicated that he had obtained his instrument rating approximately seven years prior to the accident. Since that time, he had logged only one three-hour instrument flight.