Accident Overview
On 8 October 2011 at 1524 UTC, a Cessna F172H Skyhawk, registration G-AWMP, was conducting a private flight from Nene Valley Gliding Club, Cambridgeshire. The sole pilot, aged 69, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 8,583 total flying hours, with 6,000 hours on the type. Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power, prompting the pilot to execute a forced landing in a field. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the pilot suffered a minor injury to his face but was able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
Weather and Airfield Conditions
The airfield surface consisted of long grass that was wet. Weather conditions reported at the time included visibility of 4,000 meters in drizzle, with a broken cloud layer at 700 ft and an overcast layer at 800 ft.
Pilot Actions and Comments
The pilot conducted a carburettor heat check as part of his pre-takeoff checks by selecting the carburettor heat on and then immediately off after observing a normal RPM drop. In hindsight, he noted that a longer application of carburettor heat would likely have identified the presence of induction ice and ensured its removal before flight. The pilot commented that he considered carburettor icing to be the most likely cause of the power loss, as the conditions during the long taxi to the takeoff point were conducive to its formation.
Additional Information
The investigation was based on the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot. The report references CAA Safety Sense Leaflet 14, 'Piston Engine Icing', which provides information and guidance for avoiding induction system icing.