What happened
On September 24, 2016, at approximately 1305 CDT, a Piper PA-22-108 bearing registration N4920Z was involved in an accident near Pearland Regional Airport (LVJ) in Pearland, Texas. The flight, conducted under Part 91 regulations, originated from LVJ at approximately 1300.
Following a standard preflight inspection and engine run-up, the pilot took off from runway 14. Shortly after reaching an altitude of 100 to 200 feet AGL, the pilot observed that the engine RPM remained at approximately 1,800 and would not increase, and the aircraft failed to gain further altitude. The pilot attempted to maneuver for an emergency landing in a rough, vegetated field. While attempting to avoid a house and a barn, the left wing of the aircraft struck a tree, leading to a nose-first impact with the ground.
The accident resulted in one serious injury to the pilot and one minor injury to the passenger. No fatalities occurred.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage at the accident site. The investigation found that fuel was present in the tanks, and no pre-impact anomalies were found in the airframe or the engine.
Atmospheric data indicated that with a temperature of 28 degrees C and a dew point of 25 degrees C, conditions were conducive to the development of light carburetor icing at cruise or descent power, or borderline serious icing at descent power. The pilot noted that carburetor heat was not utilized during the takeoff sequence.