Primary finding
Probable cause
A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing and the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While maneuvering over water the engine lost power due to carburetor ice. The pilot attempted to correct the problem, without success. He attempted to glide to the shoreline, however, he was unable to do so. He elected to land the airplane in the water. According to the icing probability chart the environmental conditions were conducive to serious carburetor icing. Temperature and dew point were 67 and 55 degrees respectively
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 16, 1993, at 1140 central standard time, a Keller Varieze, N90LH, was destroyed on water impact following a forced landing due to loss of engine power near Portland, Texas. Weather for the 14 CFR Part 91 flight was visual meteorological conditions. The pilot owner was not injured, however, his passenger sustained minor injuries. During interviews conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated that he was maneuvering over Nueces Bay, near Portland, Texas, when he experienced carburetor icing. He further reported that he attempted to correct the problem using published procedures, however, his engine ingested the ice and the engine shut down. The pilot reported he attempted to glide the two miles to the shore line, however, he was unable to reach it. The airplane impacted the water and both occupants were rescued by a fishing vessel. A review of the icing probability chart revealed that the airplane was operating in environmental conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing. -