N9431BCessna 175 · 1958

On September 29, 2010, about 1300 central daylight time, a Cessna 175, N9431B, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from a private airfield near Deming, New Mexico. The commercial rated pilot, the sole occupant, received serious injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged during the accident. The aircraft was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan.

In order to conduct maintenance on the aircraft at his facilities, the mechanic/commercial pilot planned to ferry the airplane from the private airstrip. However, just after takeoff, the engine lost power and the pilot elected to conduct a forced landing on the remaining runway. During the forced landing the airplane experienced a hard landing. The airplane sustained structural damage to the engine firewall. A visual examination of the engine and airframe by the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector, failed to reveal any preimpact abnormalities.

A review of the carburetor icing probability chart, located in the FAA's Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, dated 6/30/2009, revealed that the airplane was not operating in an area favorable for the formation of carburetor icing.