Accident Overview
On December 24, 2017, at approximately 1500 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172N (registration N91SP) was substantially damaged during a forced landing in Union Mills, North Carolina. The commercial pilot, who owned the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Flight Details
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice approaches to a private airstrip he was constructing on his property. He stated that the airplane's performance and handling were "perfect" throughout the flight, with multiple successful low approaches and no anomalies. During the final approach, the airplane was traveling slowly over his strip at about treetop height with full flaps deployed. When the pilot added full power to initiate a climb, the engine "sputtered" and stopped producing power. He performed a forced landing to the unimproved strip, where the airplane "bounced" and departed the side of the cleared area, entering the woods and sustaining substantial damage.
Pilot Experience
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on March 15, 2016. He reported 6,700 total flight hours, including 3,400 hours in the accident airplane make and model.
Aircraft Information
According to FAA records, the airplane was manufactured in 1978. Its most recent annual inspection was completed on November 12, 2017, at 9,034.9 total aircraft hours.
Weather Conditions
At 1505, the weather reported at Rutherford County Airport (FQD), 7 miles east of the site, included an overcast ceiling at 2,200 ft, visibility 10 miles, and calm winds. The temperature was 10°C, the dew point was 5°C, and the altimeter setting was 29.97 inches of mercury.
Pilot Comments on Engine Power Loss
When asked about the loss of engine power, the pilot stated that the reason was carburetor ice. He confirmed that he had not deployed carburetor heat during the low approach over his property.