Accident Overview
On June 22, 2019, at 0951 EDT, an Ercoupe 415C airplane, registration N415WP, impacted in a swamp near North Central State Airport (SFZ) in Smithfield, Rhode Island, following a total loss of engine power. The sport pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The aircraft was registered to a private individual and operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight within the light sport aircraft category. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident site and along the route of flight. The flight originated from SFZ and was destined for Southbridge Municipal Airport (3B0) in Massachusetts.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was about midway between SFZ and 3B0 when he detected the odor of hot oil. He elected to return to SFZ and land. While on approach to land, there was a total loss of engine power and the propeller stopped turning. The pilot landed in a swamp short of the approach end of the runway. During the landing, the left wing separated from the fuselage.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage examination was limited due to damage to the airplane and water immersion. The responding FAA inspector verified that the engine rotated and compression was present at each cylinder. Oil was drained from the engine crankcase during recovery. Murky water was present in fuel samples taken from the wreckage, and the fuel filter was contaminated with water and slime. The fuel control valve was found in the ON position, and the carburetor heat knob was found in the IN/OFF position. The carburetor was impact-separated from the engine. Based on the evidence available, no anomalies were noted with the engine or airframe, and the source of the oil smell was not identified.
Weather Conditions
Weather at SFZ at 0950 was reported as temperature 21°C, dewpoint 13°C, wind 320° at 9 knots, and altimeter 29.79 inches of mercury. According to the FAA carburetor icing chart, the weather conditions were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power.