What happened
On January 22, 2011, at approximately 1230 Pacific standard time, a Bice Air Creation GTE weight-shift-control aircraft, N4668L, performed a forced landing near Hayfork, California. The flight originated from Rohnerville Airport in Fortuna, California, at 1100. While flying an eastbound course at 7,500 feet mean sea level, the pilot observed a drop in the engine's exhaust gas temperature and cylinder head temperature.
Following this temperature drop, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing into heavily forested mountainous terrain, striking several trees before the aircraft stopped. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the wing structure, and both main landing gear separated from the fuselage. The pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
At the time of the accident, weather conditions at Hayfork were calm with unrestricted visibility and clear skies. The temperature was 41 degrees Fahrenheit with a dew point of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. A review of a carburetor icing chart indicated that these specific conditions were conducive to the formation of serious icing at cruise power. The aircraft was not equipped with carburetor heat, meaning no corrective action could be taken once the icing began. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the loss of power.