Single-Engine Airplane Crash After Loss of Engine Power During Takeoff (N45537)

Accident Overview and Immediate Sequence of Events A single-engine airplane struck trees and terrain after experiencing a loss of engine power during the takeoff and initial climb phase. The pilot had applied full throttle and carburetor heat before the aircraft became airborne. Once in the air, the engine failed to develop full power, and the pilot observed what appeared to be a gradual reduction in power regardless of the carburetor heat position. ## Pilot Observations and Environmental Conditions The pilot stated that the day of the accident was likely the first time in over a decade that the airplane's aging carburetor heat mechanism had been tested under low-temperature conditions with a narrow temperature-dew point spread. The pilot reported a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and a dew point of 37 degrees Fahrenheit. ## Weather Data and Icing Potential The nearest weather reporting station, located 40 nautical miles northwest of the accident site, recorded a temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit and a dew point of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Both the pilot's reported conditions and the station's data fell within the range conducive to serious carburetor icing at cruise or climb power settings.