Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
a total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On June 12, 1994, at 1025 eastern daylight time, an Arthur Alan Blind Kit Fox III Speedster, N61AB, sustained substantial damage while during an emergency landing at the Watervliet Municipal Airport, Watervliet, Michigan. The commercial pilot was not injured. The sole passenger in the airplane received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed.
The pilot reported that the engine lost power on takeoff at the end of the runway. He said the airport was surrounded by high trees and rough terrain. He turned back toward the airport and attempted to steer towards a clearing in the woods. The airplane made contact with the tops of some trees and subsequently collided with terrain.
TESTS AND RESEARCH
The engine was removed and taken to an authorized repair station for further examination. The engine was run on a test stand without any malfunction.
The temperature at the time of the accident was 73 degrees F, and the dew point was 62 degrees F. This temperature/dew point combination is in the range of values known to be favorable for carburetor icing. The carburetor heat was found in the OFF position during the initial examination of the airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI94DET01