What happened
While flying at an altitude of less than 1,000 feet above the ground, the aircraft experienced a sudden engine failure. Due to the low altitude at the time of the malfunction, the pilot faced extremely limited options for selecting a suitable landing site. To manage the emergency, the pilot intentionally directed the aircraft toward a tree to shorten the ground roll and ensure the aircraft did not veer onto a nearby freeway. The landing was conducted with a tailwind component.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the engine loss and the subsequent emergency maneuvers. Investigators determined that the engine failure was likely caused by carburettor icing. It was noted that the aircraft was not equipped with a carburettor heat system, nor was such a system required for this specific aircraft type.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was likely the accumulation of ice within the carburettor.
- The aircraft was operating at a low altitude, which significantly restricted the pilot's ability to execute a controlled forced landing.
- The pilot's decision to use a tree as an obstacle helped mitigate the risk of the aircraft exiting the landing area and entering a high-traffic freeway.