On November 29, 2000, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N6YB) was involved in an aviation accident near Florence, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power due to carburetor icing, which resulted in a emergency landing into rough uneven terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Shortly after departing runway 19 with cargo, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing into a grassy area, damaging the landing gear and propeller. Engine examination found no defects preventing power production. Conditions conducive to carburetor icing were present.
Narrative
The pilot reported that shortly after departure from runway 19 with a load of cargo on board, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing, impacting into a grassy area adjacent to the departure end of runway 19. During the impact sequence, the landing gear separated and the propeller was bent.
Examination Findings
Examination of the engine showed no defects that would have prevented it from producing power. The engine was inspected and found to be capable of normal operation, with no mechanical anomalies identified.
Conditions
At the time of the accident, conditions conducive to carburetor icing existed. Carburetor icing can occur when temperature and humidity levels are within a specific range, potentially affecting engine performance.