Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper use of carburetor heat which resulted in carburetor icing and subsequent loss of engine power.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On January 16, 1999, at 1050 central daylight time, an experimental Baker Fisher Horizon One, N793DB, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing when it hit a fence during landing roll. The pilot reported a loss of engine power. The private pilot received minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Bolivar Airport, Bolivar, Missouri, on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.
The pilot reported that after about 20 to 30 minutes of flying the engine began to lose power. He checked the magnetos, added carburetor heat, and changed throttle settings, but it did not restore engine power. The pilot reported he executed a forced landing into a field but it was too short and the airplane struck a fence.
The pilot reported that he thought the "engine problem was caused by carb ice. Flying at 1,000 feet there was not enough time for the carb heat to clear the ice."
The temperature was 44 degrees Fahrenheit and the dew point was 34 degrees Fahrenheit.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI99LA067