CEN12LA244

The non-certificated pilot changed the airplane's fuel and then conducted several high-speed taxi runs to check engine operation in preparation for the airplane’s first flight after several months of inactivity. Shortly after the subsequent takeoff, the airplane's engine began to run rough and then lost power. The pilot elected to conduct a forced landing in a vacant field. A postaccident examination confirmed flight and engine control continuity and did not detect any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies. Although review of a carburetor icing probability chart indicated that the weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power, the investigation was unable to determine the cause of the loss of engine power.

On April 14, 2012, about 1550 central daylight time, a T Bird Golden Circle Air Inc II, experimental light sport airplane, N5654N, conducted a force landing following a loss of engine power near Clara City, Minnesota. The non-certificated pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, reported that the accident flight was the airplane’s first flight after several months of inactivity. The pilot changed the airplane’s fuel and performed several high speed taxis to check the engine operation. The pilot then departed from a private field, the airplane’s engine began to run rough and then lost power. During the forced landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The on-scene examination conducted by the FAA confirmed continuity to both the flight and engine controls. The examination did not detect any preimpact anomalies. A review of the carburetor icing probability chart located in the FAA's Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-9-35, found that the airplane was operating in an area conducive to serious icing at glide power. However, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.