On May 7, 2005, a Champion 7ECA (registration N42LC) was involved in an aviation accident near San Luis Obispo, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing and the pilot's failure to use carburetor heat. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landed on a soccer field after hearing engine sputtering. The aircraft skidded into a power pole during rollout. No anomalies found in post-accident engine test run. Weather conditions indicated potential carburetor icing.
Accident Details
The pilot executed a landing on a soccer field after the engine began sputtering, as reported by witnesses. During the landing ground roll, the aircraft skidded and struck a power pole. The pilot could not recall the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Post-Accident Observations
A strong odor of fuel was present at the accident site, and a post-accident fuel leak was observed originating from the left wing. Investigators conducted an examination of the aircraft after the accident, and the engine was successfully test run. No anomalies were identified in either the airframe or the engine.
Weather Conditions
The nearest weather observation station, located within 10 miles of the accident site, reported a temperature of 8 degrees Celsius and a dew point of 7 degrees Celsius. Review of a carburetor icing probability chart indicated that these temperature and dew point values placed conditions in the center of the area associated with serious icing at any power setting.