Accident Overview
On March 12, 2020, at approximately 1622 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA28-181, registration N656ST, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Beverly, Massachusetts. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The student pilot, the sole occupant, reported minor injuries.
Flight History
According to the student pilot, he was practicing traffic pattern work on runway 16. He had completed five or six touch-and-go landings prior to the accident. The approach preceding the accident takeoff was a power-off approach and landing, after which the pilot applied power for takeoff. During the initial climb, when the airplane reached about 500 ft above ground level, the engine lost power and the airplane would not climb. The pilot noted a drop in engine rpm from 2,500 to around 2,350, declared an emergency, and initiated a 270° left turn to attempt an emergency landing on runway 27.
Landing and Impact
The airplane touched down on the last quarter of runway 27, continued across grass and over a ditch, and then struck trees near the airport property line. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to both wings, the right aileron, horizontal stabilizers, and engine mounts.
Engine and Systems Examination
Data collected from the primary flight display (PFD) indicated an engine power setting of 2,430 rpm at 1618. One minute later, rpm decreased to 2,350 and continued to decrease until impact.
The calculated relative humidity at the time of the accident was 65%. A review of the icing probability chart in FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 indicated that the atmospheric conditions were "conducive to serious icing at cruise power."
The airplane was equipped with a carburetor ice detection system, consisting of a control box on the instrument panel, a probe sensor on the carburetor, and a red warning light for ice presence. An examination by a mechanic found that both the carburetor control lever and the detection system were in the off position. The student pilot did not report using carburetor heat or the ice detection system.
Postaccident Findings
Postaccident examinations of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would have contributed to the loss of engine power.