ATL95LA167

The pilot reported that engine power decreased smoothly in cruise flight, at a power setting of 2100 RPM. The carburetor heat was applied for about one minute, then removed. He slowed the airplane down and executed an intentional stall into the trees. The weather at the time of the accident was favorable for the formation of carburetor ice, and the pilot said that he did not receive a weather briefing. Later, the pilot stated that he believed that carburetor ice had formed because during the engine teardown there was a lot of moisture in the carburetor.

On September 10, 1995, about 1030 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N1474N, collided with trees during a forced landing near Mooresville, North Carolina. The airplane was operated by the pilot/owner under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the personal, local flight. There were no injuries to the private pilot nor his passenger, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Origination of the flight was Bradford Field, a private airstrip, near Huntersville, North Carolina, about 45 minutes prior to the accident.

The pilot reported that they were in cruise flight, about 1400 feet msl (700-800 agl) when the engine lost power. Engine power decreased smoothly, he reported. Carburetor heat was applied for about one minute, then removed, just before an intentional stall into a pine forest, at very slow speed. Immediately prior to the loss of power, the engine was being operated at 2100 rpm. Local temperature and dew point was 76 and 66 degrees F., respectively.(See attached icing probability curves).

The on-scene investigation revealed 1/2 tank of fuel in the main, 5 gallons in the reserve tank, engine oil satisfactory, and throttle linkage intact. The engine examination disclosed heavy soot deposits on the spark plugs, moisture in the carburetor, and the fuel free from containments. The engine operated properly at all power settings during the functional examination. The pilot later stated that he believed carburetor icing had caused the loss of engine power.