Incident Summary
The pilot reported that a few minutes after departing from Cape Coral, Florida, while at 1,000 feet, he set the throttle to a cruise RPM of 2,300. Within about half a minute, the engine RPM dropped to idle. He activated the carburetor heat control, but a few minutes later the engine ceased operating. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful, and he executed a forced landing on the northbound lanes of a four-lane street. During the landing rollout, the right wing struck two road signs, causing the airplane to veer and incur damage.
Examination
An FAA maintenance inspector responded to the accident scene, removed the engine cowling, and conducted an examination of the airplane. No anomalies were noted. Additionally, an FAA-licensed mechanic performed a detailed engine examination under FAA supervision, and no anomalies were found.
Weather Conditions
The 0630 surface weather observation at Fort Myers (FMY), Florida, reported visibility of 1 and 3/4 statute miles and an overcast ceiling at 600 feet. Review of carburetor icing probability charts indicated that at the time of the engine failure, the flight was operating in conditions conducive to moderate icing during cruise power settings and serious icing during glide/descent power settings.
Pilot Information
FAA records showed that the private-rated pilot/owner did not possess an instrument rating.