Accident Overview
On December 31, 2012, at approximately 0940 central standard time, a Piper PA-24-250, registration N8053P, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain short of runway 31 at Mc Allen Miller International Airport (KMFE) in Mc Allen, Texas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed. The local flight had originated from KMFE about 0935 and was destined for Weslaco, Texas (5T6).
Pilot Report
According to the pilot's accident report, after takeoff and climbing to 1,200 feet, the engine began running rough and losing power. The pilot initiated a turn back towards the airport, but the airplane impacted terrain approximately 200 feet short of runway 31. The left main and nose landing gears separated from the airplane, the right wing was crushed, and the fuselage was buckled.
Engine Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the engine post-accident. According to the inspector's report, no anomalies were noted with the ignition system. All spark plugs were dry, consistent with a lean mixture, and the intake system appeared normal. All pistons and valves moved with crankshaft movement. Ample fuel (100LL) was present in all four tanks. With the electric fuel pump operating, fuel pressure registered at the top of the green arc on the fuel pressure gauge regardless of tank position selected. Fuel flow was observed to the carburetor and intake from all four tank positions. Operation of the engine-driven fuel pump could not be verified. The carburetor finger screen was clean. It took approximately 3 to 4 seconds to restore fuel flow to the carburetor when the fuel selector was switched from "off" to a tank position using the electric pump.
Carburetor Icing Conditions
A Carburetor Icing Probability Chart was examined using the reported temperature of 21 degrees Celsius and dew point of 16 degrees Celsius. The chart indicated moderate icing at cruise power and serious icing at descent power. The dew point compression was 5 degrees Celsius, which equated to a relative humidity of about 69 percent.
Conclusion
The airplane impacted terrain short of the runway after a loss of engine power. The post-accident examination did not identify mechanical anomalies with the engine or fuel system, but atmospheric conditions were conducive to carburetor icing.