What happened
On May 8, 2004, a PIPER PA-28-181 Archer II, registration EC-ISJ, was conducting a dual instruction flight from Reus Airport to Albatarrech Aerodrome. The aircraft was carrying an instructor, two students, and one passenger.
While cruising at 3,000 feet, the instructor noticed a significant drop in engine RPM. The pilot attempted several corrective actions, including enriching the fuel mixture, switching fuel tanks, activating the electric fuel pump, and engaging the carburetor heat. Despite these efforts, the engine power continued to decline until the propeller stopped rotating.
Recognizing the engine failure, the pilot executed an emergency landing in a field near Les Borges Blanques, approximately 10 nautical miles from the destination. During the landing sequence, the pilot maintained maximum glide speed with full flaps. Although the aircraft successfully reached the field, it struck an embankment at the end of the landing roll, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe, including a broken nose gear and deformed wings. All 4 occupants escaped the aircraft without injury, though they had to force open the single door after it became jammed due to the wing deformation.
The investigation
The CIAIAC examined the engine, fuel systems, and environmental conditions to determine the cause of the power loss. Investigators inspected the fuel lines, filters, and carburetor, finding clean fuel and no obstructions in the vent holes. The ignition system, including the magnetos and spark plugs, was found to be in good working order. Mechanical inspections of the engine cylinders and valves showed no signs of internal failure or compression issues.
Investigators also analyzed the meteorological data. At the time of the incident, the ambient temperature was reported by the pilot as approximately 8°C, with a relative humidity of roughly 45%.
Findings
- The investigation ruled out fuel exhaustion, as fuel was present in the lines and the carburetor.
- No mechanical engine failure or ignition system malfunction was detected.
- The primary cause of the power loss was carburetor icing, as the atmospheric conditions (temperature and humidity) were highly conducive to ice formation within the Venturi tube.
Safety action
No specific safety recommendations were recorded in this report.