Accident Details
On December 29, 2023, about 1200 central standard time, a Piper PA-18A 150 airplane, registration N2774P, was substantially damaged during an accident near Vermillion, South Dakota. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, the airplane was on final approach for runway 30 at Harold Davidson Field Airport when the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot stated that insufficient altitude prevented correcting for the sudden power loss, leading to a forced landing in a flat, snow-covered field short of the runway. During the landing, the airplane nosed over, causing damage to the left forward lift strut.
Postaccident Examination
Following the accident, snow discoloration consistent with fuel staining was observed around the fuel caps during aircraft recovery. A postaccident examination revealed fuel present in the fuel lines, and no mechanical anomalies or failures were identified that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
Weather data from the area indicated a temperature of -2.6°C and a dew point of -6.9°C at the time of the accident, with a relative humidity of 72.3%. Review of the icing probability chart from FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 showed that atmospheric conditions were conducive to carburetor icing at glide and cruise power. The pilot reported using carburetor heat from power reduction on downwind but turning it off during the base leg. Under those conditions, carburetor icing most likely formed during the final descent, and the chart indicated conditions for carburetor icing at glide power were present.