Accident Details
On July 1, 2020, at approximately 1932 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140 airplane, registration N6530W, was involved in an accident near Bridgeport, Texas. The aircraft was operating as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot and two passengers sustained no injuries.
Flight and Engine Failure
The pilot reported that the before takeoff engine run-up was normal. After takeoff, at an altitude of about 150 feet above ground level, the engine appeared to lose power without any associated vibration, abnormal noise, or instrument indications. The pilot attempted to identify the cause and restore engine power but was unsuccessful. He performed a forced landing into a field containing medium-maturity mesquite trees.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-recovery examination of the engine revealed evidence consistent with an insect (mud dauber) nest within the carburetor heat induction system. The inside surface of the carburetor heat shroud showed residue consistent with dirt or mud accretion. The engine exhaust tube common to the carburetor heat shroud exhibited discoloration matching debris accretion. The discolored area on the exhaust tube corresponded to the residue observed inside the carburetor heat shroud. A fragment of compacted dirt was recovered from inside the carburetor heat duct, and the outboard end of the muffler displayed similar dirt or mud residue. No other anomalies were noted in the engine installation.
Maintenance History
According to the airplane maintenance records, an annual inspection was completed on September 14, 2017, at a tachometer reading of 2,701.58 hours. The next annual inspection occurred on June 29, 2020, at a tachometer time of 2,701.68 hours. The pilot reported purchasing the airplane on the same day as the most recent annual inspection. The accident occurred two days later, on July 1. At the post-accident examination, the tachometer indicated 2,702.84 hours.
The oil filter installed on the engine at the time of the examination was dated September 15, 2017, with a tachometer time of 2,701.58 hours. The logbook entry for the most recent inspection did not mention changing the engine oil and filter. However, the entry for the prior inspection in 2017, conducted by the same mechanic, noted that the oil and filter were replaced and the old filter was opened and inspected for debris.
Weather Conditions
According to a graph in FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, Carburetor Icing Prevention, the weather conditions at the time of the accident corresponded to a slight possibility of carburetor icing at glide or cruise power.