Accident Summary
On April 6, 2016, at about 1530 eastern daylight time, a Flight Design GmbH CTSW, registration N466CT, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The sport pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a personal flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed from Cape Fear Regional Jetport (SUT) in Oak Island, North Carolina, around 1400, with a destination of Hilton Head Airport (HXD).
Pilot Report
The pilot reported being on approach to HXD from the west, advising tower personnel he was 8 miles out. He made a midfield call, reduced the throttle to 4,200 rpm, and descended from 1,300 to 1,000 feet above mean sea level. Seconds after reducing throttle, the engine ran rough for a few seconds, then shut down and would not restart. The pilot did not attempt to apply carburetor heat. He established best glide speed and maneuvered for a forced landing on a golf course. After landing, the left wing struck a tree and the airplane came to a stop.
Examination
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage. The airplane had struck a tree and came to rest upright. The inspector observed structural damage to the composite leading edge of the left wing. The fuel system contained about 4.5 gallons of fuel, which appeared free of contaminants and water. The air filter was clean, and compression was observed on all cylinders. Following the examination, the owner leveled the airplane and started the engine with FAA oversight; the engine started, produced power, and no discrepancies were noted.
Weather Conditions
The 1550 weather observation at HXD, located about 2 miles southeast of the accident site, reported temperature 64°F and dew point 54°F. According to the carburetor icing probability chart in FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 (Carburetor Icing Prevention), dated June 30, 2009, these conditions were in the area of serious icing at glide power.