Accident Overview
On September 29, 2010, about 1300 central daylight time, a Cessna 175, registration N9431B, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from a private airfield near Deming, New Mexico. The airplane was substantially damaged during the resulting forced landing. The aircraft was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Flight and Pilot Details
The sole occupant was a commercial rated pilot who planned to ferry the airplane from the private airstrip to conduct maintenance at his facilities. The pilot sustained serious injuries in the accident.
Accident Sequence
Just after takeoff, the engine lost power. The pilot elected to conduct a forced landing on the remaining runway. During the landing, the airplane experienced a hard landing, resulting in structural damage to the engine firewall.
Post-Accident Examination
A visual examination of the engine and airframe by the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector failed to reveal any preimpact abnormalities. A review of the carburetor icing probability chart, located in the FAA's Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, dated June 30, 2009, indicated that the airplane was not operating in an area favorable for the formation of carburetor icing.