Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power which resulted from the formation of carburetor ice. The lack of a carburetor heat source and the carburetor icing conditions were factors
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
About five minutes into the flight, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power, but regained power for 5 seconds before the engine quit again. The pilot attempted an emergency landing to a five lane highway, but collided with two oncoming trucks about five feet above the ground prior, to touchdown. Examination of the aircraft failed to disclose a mechanical problem. According to the icing probability curves, weather conditions existed which were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice. According to the pilot, the airplane was not equipped with a carburetor heat source
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 9, 1993, at 1820 eastern daylight time, a Rapp Van's Aircraft, Inc RV4, N743DR, collided with two pick up trucks while attempting a forced landing on a public road near Greenwood, South Carolina. The personal flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed for the local flight. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was destroyed, and the pilot and passenger in the experimental airplane were not injured. The flight departed Greenwood at 1800 hours. According to the pilot, about 20 minutes into the flight, he experienced a sudden loss of engine power. He restarted the engine and it ran for a few seconds before quitting again. The pilot maneuvered the airplane into a landing position facing oncoming road traffic; the airplane collided with the trucks after touching down on the roadway. -