Accident Overview
On September 1, 2018, about 1330 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-12, registration N3415M, was substantially damaged during an accident near Cochranton, Pennsylvania. The private pilot and two passengers were not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
The pilot reported that approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the engine lost total power. He attempted to return to the departure airport but could not maintain altitude. While searching for a suitable landing area, the airplane collided with a tree before impacting terrain and coming to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination revealed buckling throughout the airframe. Crankshaft continuity was confirmed from the propeller hub to the accessory section of the engine. Thumb compression was obtained on all cylinders, and the magnetos generated spark. In a statement to the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot stated he did not use carburetor heat at the time of the event. However, in his report to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot reported that he did use carburetor heat at the time of the event.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the departure airport, about 10 miles south of the accident site, included wind from 180° at 3 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles, scattered clouds at 3,800 ft above ground level, temperature 27°C, and dew point 21°C. When plotted on a carburetor icing probability chart, these conditions indicated the potential for carburetor icing at cruise power and serious icing at glide power settings.