Accident Details
On October 18, 2018, at approximately 1405 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, registration N3631K, was involved in an accident near Plant City, Florida. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the commercial pilot received minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Actions and Maneuvers
Before departure, the pilot conducted a preflight inspection, noting no anomalies, and all pre-takeoff checks were normal. The engine contained 6 quarts of oil, and both fuel tanks were full, with 18 gallons in each. The pilot was practicing visual approaches, pattern work, and landings at Plant City Airport (PCM). Approximately 45 minutes after takeoff, the pilot switched fuel tanks from the right to the left tank. After completing flight maneuvers, he returned to PCM and entered the downwind leg for runway 10 for a touch-and-go landing. Following the touch-and-go, during the climb out at 85 mph, the engine sputtered several times. The pilot leveled off at about 400 ft mean sea level, checking engine indications and controls, which appeared normal. The carburetor heat was off and was not activated before or during the power loss. The engine then lost power completely. Unable to turn due to low airspeed, the pilot performed a forced landing into trees. He exited the airplane and awaited emergency services.
Postaccident Examination
Photographs taken at the accident site showed substantial damage to the wings and fuselage: the left wing separated from the fuselage, and the right wing and cabin section buckled. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have prevented normal operation, although the engine could not be test run due to accident damage.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the weather conditions at PCM included a temperature of 33°C and a dew point of 20°C. A review of the icing probability chart in Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 indicated that the atmospheric conditions were conducive to the formation of carburetor icing at cruise power and serious icing at glide power settings.