Incident Summary
A single-engine airplane made an emergency landing in a field after the pilot reported a loss of engine power. During the landing, the aircraft cartwheeled several times before coming to rest approximately nine miles north of the Wilkes County Airport.
Witness and Passenger Accounts
Witnesses reported observing the airplane flying at a low altitude and noted that the engine sounded as if it were idling. The airplane continued to descend below the tree line, after which a loud crash was heard. The passenger recalled that the engine emitted a sound similar to "like a choke was pulled on the engine, as if you were restricting air."
Pilot Actions
In response to the engine issue, the pilot pulled the carburetor heat control and attempted to lean the fuel mixture. Despite these efforts, the engine did not regain full power, prompting the pilot to initiate an emergency landing in the field.
Aircraft and Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that both wing assemblies were buckled, with the outboard sections of the wings curled upward. The ailerons and flaps remained connected to the wing assemblies. Fuel was present in both the right and left wing tanks when the fuel caps were opened.
Inspection of the engine showed valve train movement to the accessory pulley and on all valve assemblies. Compression was achieved on all cylinders, and sparks were produced from the ignition leads. Fuel was found in the supply hose and in the carburetor fuel bowl. No mechanical or flight control anomalies were identified during the engine examination.
Weather Conditions
Review of weather data from North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, indicated that conditions at the time were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice.