Primary finding
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power in flight due to carburetor icing. Contributing to the accident was the soft field where the airplane nosed over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The experimental amateur-built airplane sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during a forced landing on a soft field following an in-flight loss of engine power. The engine was reportedly “occasionally windmilling” during the forced landing. The local temperature was 9 degrees Celsius (C) and the dew point was 3 degrees C. The temperature and dew point were plotted on the icing chart listed in Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 and their intersection fell in the “serious icing (cruise power)” temperature range.
Source record
Factual narrative
The experimental amateur-built Rotax 447 powered airplane sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during a forced landing on a soft field following an in-flight loss of engine power. The engine was reportedly “occasionally windmilling” during the forced landing. The local temperature was 9 degrees Celsius (C) and the dew point was 3 degrees C. The temperature and dew point were plotted on the icing chart listed in Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 and their intersection fell in the “serious icing (cruise power)” temperature range.