Accident Details
On February 1, 2013, about 1330 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-235, registration N8554W, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Skypark Airport (BTF) in Bountiful, Utah. The airplane was operated by the private pilot under Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from BTF about 10 minutes prior.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that after an uneventful touch-and-go landing on runway 34, he initiated a right turn to the crosswind leg when the engine lost power. He switched to the right fuel tank with no change in power. Unable to reach the runway, he performed a forced landing into a snow-covered field. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear submerged in snow, causing the airplane to veer right and the left wing to strike the ground.
Examination Findings
Examination of the recovered airframe revealed the left wing was mostly separated from the fuselage. Fuel was present in all tanks. Control continuity was established. The airframe fuel pump functioned but did not transfer fuel due to the fuselage attitude. The Lycoming O-540-B2B5 engine remained attached; mechanical continuity and compression were confirmed. Magneto spark was present. The carburetor throttle and mixture controls moved freely; the accelerator pump expelled liquid. The carburetor disassembly showed intact floats and fuel in the bowl, with no water detected. Spark plugs appeared normal. No evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation was found.
Weather Conditions
Weather at Salt Lake City International Airport, about 5 miles southwest, at 1353 was wind 350° at 5 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, few clouds at 6,000 feet, temperature 43°F, dew point 28°F, altimeter 30.32 inHg. According to the FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin on Carburetor Icing Prevention, these conditions were conducive to carburetor icing at glide and cruise power.