Event
On 27 June 2016, at 1125 UTC, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior III (registration G-BZDA) was returning from a local training flight to White Waltham Airfield, Berkshire. During the final approach, the engine lost power. The instructor conducted a forced landing in a field short of the runway. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the engine, propeller, engine bearer, nose landing gear, and lower firewall. Neither occupant was injured.
Weather and Icing Conditions
The weather at the time was good, with scattered cloud at 3,500 ft, a temperature of 20°C, and a dew point of 13°C. After the accident, the temperature and dew point were plotted on the CAA icing conditions chart from 'Safety Sense Leaflet 14, Piston Engine Icing'. The chart indicated that moderate icing could be expected at cruise power and serious icing at descent power.
Aftermath
The aircraft was recovered and the engine was tested by the maintenance organisation. The engine was found to operate normally. The instructor remarked: "...the main point to put across to other pilots flying in weather conditions similar to that on the day of my incident is that, even when applying the carb heat for the recommended time as per the POH, icing can still form in the carburettor. It is a lesson I learnt that day and an experience I would not like to repeat!"