NTSB Factual Report

On March 11, 2005, about 1400 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-160, N5946W, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Cameron, West Virginia. The certificated private pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Wapakoneta, Ohio, destined for Oakland, Maryland. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot reported he had been flying for about 1.5 hours, and was at an altitude of about 1,300 feet, when he encountered snow flurries. He then experienced an engine vibration and drop in RPM, which continued to worsen despite the application of carburetor heat. The pilot elected to perform a 180-degree turn toward an airport that was located about 10 miles from his position. The airplane was not able to maintain altitude, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. The airplane's left wing contacted the ground and was partially separated.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions; however, it was noted that the spark plugs were "very sooted."

The pilot held an instrument rating. He reported 830 hours of total flight experience, which included 670 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

The weather reported at an airport that was located about 29 miles north of the accident site, at 1414, included a visibility of 2.5 miles with light snow and mist, scattered clouds at 800 feet, a broken ceiling at 2,200 feet, and a temperature and dew point of 31 and 28 degrees Fahrenheit; respectively. Review of an FAA carburetor icing probability chart, placed the reported temperature and dew point in the "moderate icing at cruise power or serious icing at glide power range. "

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing, which resulted in a forced landing. A factor in this accident was the carburetor icing conditions.