What happened
While operating in the traffic pattern at a private airstable, a Cessna (type not specified) collided with trees during a forced landing. The pilot had departed the airstrip and attempted to contact approach control, located 21 statute miles away, to activate an instrument flight rules flight plan. During this attempt, the pilot experienced radio issues where he could hear approach control but they could not hear him.
Due to being in instrument meteorological conditions, the pilot decided to return to the airstrip. While in the traffic pattern for landing, the engine lost power. The pilot believed the engine had picked up carburetor ice and applied carburetor heat, but was unable to regain engine power. The aircraft struck trees and settled into a heavily wooded area near the airport. The pilot remained in the aircraft overnight and navigated out of the woods the following morning.
Weather reported 21 miles from the site seven minutes prior to the accident included light rain and mist with 1-1/4 mile visibility, scattered clouds at 400 feet, and a broken ceiling at 700 feet.
The investigation
A post-accident inspection of the aircraft revealed that the venturi on the air inlet side of the carburetor was blocked by a 5-1/2 inch long piece of heat shield material. This material covered approximately 70 percent of the inlet area. Investigators could not determine the source of this material, as it was not used anywhere on the aircraft. The last annual inspection of the airframe and engine had been completed approximately 60 flight hours before the accident.
Findings
- The engine lost power due to a blockage in the carburetor inlet.
- No fatalities were reported, as the pilot was not injured.