What happened
On March 15, 2012, an experimental amateur-built Emeraude CP-301-A, registration N718PP, crashed near Ruckel Airport (FL17) in Niceville, Florida. The flight was a personal trip intended to transport the aircraft to Yellow River Airstrip (FD93) for a condition inspection. The flight was conducted under VMC with a visibility of 9 statute miles.
At approximately 12:50 central daylight time, an air traffic control specialist at Eglin Air Force Base received a transmission from the aircraft stating it had just departed FL17. Although the controller attempted to contact the aircraft twice to confirm intentions, there was no response. Radar data showed only a brief primary radar contact with no identifiable track or altitude.
A witness at the north end of the takeoff runway observed the aircraft climbing north. At an altitude of approximately 300 to 400 feet, the witness heard a power reduction. The aircraft did not turn back toward the runway but continued straight over trees until the engine sound faded. Later, a motorist observed the aircraft descending at a 45-degree angle with the propeller stopped, appearing to glide back toward the departure airport.
The aircraft eventually impacted trees in a wings-level attitude, heading eastbound, just north of a new highway. The impact caused the engine to separate from the firewall. Both pilots, who were airline transport pilots, sustained 2 fatal injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wreckage and the engine, which was powered by a Continental O-200-A. While the engine cylinders showed no mechanical anomalies during borescope examination, the propeller blades showed evidence of power at impact, including twisting and bending. The exhaust system exhibited malleable bending consistent with heating.
Investigators noted that the dark coloring of the upper spark plug electrodes was consistent with a very rich fuel mixture, which can result from carburetor icing or the use of carburetor heat. The position of the carburetor heat handle could not be determined due to the separation of the engine from the wreckage and thermal damage to the accessory section.
Findings
- The ambient temperature was 82 degrees Fahrenheit with a dew point of 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Based on these meteorological conditions, carburetor icing probability charts indicated a likelihood of serious carburetor icing at glide power.
- The pilot/owner had previously lost his medical certificate due to injuries from a prior accident and was flying with the other pilot to act as pilot in command because he was not yet legally cleared to fly solo.