Event Details
On August 4, 2012, at approximately 1240 central daylight time, a Piper PA-38-112, registration N2552C, experienced a loss of engine power and subsequently nosed over during a forced landing in a field near Fate, Texas. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 and was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated from Rockwall Municipal Airport (F46) in Rockwall, Texas, around 1155 for a local maintenance check flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported completing a preflight inspection, noting approximately 12 gallons of fuel in the left tank and 10 gallons in the right tank. After one takeoff and landing at F46, the airplane performed normally. The pilot then departed toward Lake Tawakoni, about 15 to 30 miles southeast, to continue monitoring the airplane's operation, particularly oil temperature and pressure, which had been elevated during the summer. He set 2,450 rpm at 75% throttle, yielding 100 knots indicated airspeed. After 30 minutes, he switched the fuel selector to the right tank while near Lake Tawakoni and turned back west toward F46 to practice takeoffs and landings. Approximately 10 miles east of F46 at 2,300 feet above mean sea level, the engine stuttered, and rpm dropped from 2,450 to 2,300. Switching the fuel selector back to the left tank had no effect. The primer was checked and found locked. Oil temperature, oil pressure, and fuel pressure were normal. Turning on the electric fuel pump produced no change. About 2 miles from F46, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot executed a forced landing to a field, and during the landing roll, the airplane nosed over.
Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane's systems revealed no anomalies that would prevent normal operation. An engine run was performed with the engine still installed on the airframe. The engine operated normally at various power settings, including a sustained 2,175 rpm for several minutes, and a magneto check showed no issues.
Weather
At 1153, the surface weather observation at Dallas Love Field, approximately 32 nautical miles southwest, reported wind from 210 degrees at 10 knots, clear sky, temperature 34°C, dew point 18°C, and altimeter 29.94 inches of mercury. The FAA Carburetor Icing Probability Chart indicated potential for carburetor ice accumulation at a sustained idle engine power setting.