Piper PA-12

Full Narrative

On January 13, 2008, at 1534 Pacific standard time, a float equipped Piper PA-12, N7243V, sustained substantial damage when it collided with terrain subsequent to a loss of engine power near Centerville, Washington, about 10 miles north of The Dalles Airport (KDLS). The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated by the pilot and owned by HBC Properties of Portland, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 91 and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from KDLS about 1435.

The pilot reported that he was maneuvering the airplane near a private airstrip at 300-feet above ground level (agl) when the engine lost power. He stated that during a descending left hand 40-45 degree bank turn, with the carburetor heat on, the airplane "...went into a slip attitude." The pilot reported that he attempted to correct the situation by applying full power, however, the engine did not respond and the airplane subsequently collided with terrain in a nose-low attitude. The airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the firewall and empennage.

Post accident examination of the engine by a certified airframe and power plant mechanic revealed no mechanical anomalies with the engine. Trace amounts of water were noted in the carburetor's accelerator pump during the examination.

According to the automated weather recorded at KDLS during the timeframe of the accident, the temperature was 48 degrees Fahrenheit and the dewpoint was 43 degrees Fahrenheit.

Data taken from a carburetor icing probability chart showed that the known temperature conditions were favorable for "icing" at "glide and cruise power" settings.

The pilot stated the engine's carburetor heat appeared to be functioning properly during the preflight run-up.