PIPER PA-22

Full Narrative

On December 13, 2011, about 0900 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-22, N1810P, experienced a loss of engine power during its initial climb near Friday Harbor, Washington. During the pilot’s subsequent forced landing in a field, the airplane collided with a pole and was substantially damaged. The commercial pilot was not injured. The flight was performed under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot had borrowed the airplane from a private individual for a business flight that originated from Friday Harbor, about 0856.

The pilot reported that all engine power was suddenly lost 3 to 4 minutes after takeoff. There was no indication of engine roughness prior to the complete loss of engine power. Unable to restart the engine, the pilot made a forced landing in the field.

Prior to notifying the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot examined the airplane and found that there was substantial damage to the left elevator. No water was found in the fuel tanks or in the gascolator. The engine was started with no difficulty and the airplane was taxied to a secure area. The examination did not reveal any mechanical failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather conditions recorded at Friday Harbor Airport (FHR), located about 2 miles northeast of the accident site, at 0853, were: wind calm; clear sky; visibility 10 miles; temperature 2 degrees Celsius; dew point -2 degrees Celsius and altimeter 30.07. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin, entitled Carburetor Icing Prevention, the temperature and dew point were conducive to the formation of serious icing at cruise power.