CHI94DET01

The pilot reported the engine lost all power during the initial climb after takeoff. The airplane was over the departure end of the runway when the power loss occurred, and the airport is surrounded by tall trees and rough terrain. The pilot turned back towards the airport and was attempting to make a forced landing in a clearing in the trees. The airplane struck the treetops, and crashed to the ground. The engine was examined at an authorized repair station. The engine ran without malfunction on the test stand. The temperature/dew point combination was 73/62. This is in the area known to be favorable for carburetor icing. The carburetor heat was found in the 'off' position during the initial examination of the airplane.

History of flight

On June 12, 1994, at 1025 eastern daylight time, an Arthur Alan Blind Kit Fox III Speedster, N61AB, sustained substantial damage while during an emergency landing at the Watervliet Municipal Airport, Watervliet, Michigan. The commercial pilot was not injured. The sole passenger in the airplane received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported that the engine lost power on takeoff at the end of the runway. He said the airport was surrounded by high trees and rough terrain. He turned back toward the airport and attempted to steer towards a clearing in the woods. The airplane made contact with the tops of some trees and subsequently collided with terrain.

Tests and research

The engine was removed and taken to an authorized repair station for further examination. The engine was run on a test stand without any malfunction.

The temperature at the time of the accident was 73 degrees F, and the dew point was 62 degrees F. This temperature/dew point combination is in the range of values known to be favorable for carburetor icing. The carburetor heat was found in the OFF position during the initial examination of the airplane.