Accident Summary
On November 4, 2012, at approximately 1230 Alaska standard time, a Bellanca 7ECA airplane, registration N31281, sustained substantial damage during an off-airport forced landing shortly after takeoff from Kenai Municipal Airport in Kenai, Alaska. The aircraft was being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a visual flight rules (VFR) post-maintenance check flight. The solo pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local area flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to conduct a check flight following a recently completed annual inspection, during which two engine cylinders had been replaced. The plan was to fly locally to “run in” the new cylinders and return the airplane to service.
According to the pilot, he performed a thorough preflight inspection and pre-heated the aircraft. The engine started easily and ran smoothly. After a 45-minute run-up, the engine was shut down and inspected for oil leaks. The engine was then restarted for an intended one-hour check flight.
After takeoff, the pilot climbed to the northeast and leveled off at 900 feet, at which point a total loss of engine power occurred. He attempted to restart the engine by applying carburetor heat and switching fuel tanks, but power was not restored. He selected an area of rough and uneven tundra-covered terrain for a forced landing. During touchdown, the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the empennage and fuselage.
Postaccident Examination
Due to the location of the accident, the NTSB did not examine the aircraft at the site. After recovery, a postaccident engine examination was conducted, which revealed no preaccident mechanical anomalies. The engine was subsequently started and operated without any mechanical problems.
The pilot opined that the loss of engine power was likely due to carburetor ice following the extended ground run before takeoff. According to an FAA carburetor icing chart, given the temperature and dew point at the time of the accident, carburetor ice is likely at glide and cruise power settings.