A Piper Archer pilot faced engine failure during a flight in 2024, landing in a forest with only minor injuries. Carburetor icing was identified as the cause.
Piper Archer engine failure during flight
On November 21, 2024, a Piper Archer with registration F-GFIE was performing circuit flights at Lognes airport. During the third takeoff, the engine revolutions per minute (RPM) remained below 2000, significantly lower than the usual 2500 RPM.Pilot’s attempts to resolve the issue
The aircraft struggled to maintain altitude after the engine performance dropped. The pilot quickly checked and adjusted various systems, including the carburetor heat cutoff, electric pump, flaps, throttle, and mixture settings, and even switched fuel tanks in an effort to restore power.Emergency landing in forest terrain
When these efforts failed, the pilot decided to attempt an emergency landing. The F-GFIE aircraft was placed down in the Maubué forest, located between Émerainville and Noisy-le-Grand. The landing resulted in only minor injuries to the occupants.Investigation identifies carburetor icing
According to the French aviation safety authority, the BEA, the only remaining trail after examining the wreckage pointed to carburetor icing as the likely cause of the engine failure. This phenomenon occurs when moisture in the air freezes inside the carburetor, restricting fuel flow.Similar incident shortly after
Just before Christmas 2024, another Piper Archer experienced a loss of power shortly after landing on runway 25 at Lognes. The pilot was unable to avoid hitting the treetops in a forested area, but both occupants sustained only minor injuries in the incident.
