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RV4 pilot reported his engine started running rough but cleared approximately one minute after carburetor heat was applied.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1391297 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201609 |
| Local Time Of Day | 0601-1200 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZZZ.Airport |
| State Reference | US |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | IMC |
| Light | Daylight |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | RV-4 |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 91 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Route In Use | Direct |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Component | |
| Aircraft Component | Engine |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Single Pilot Pilot Flying |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Multiengine Flight Crew Instrument Flight Crew Flight Instructor Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30 Flight Crew Total 6500 Flight Crew Type 500 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence |
Narrative:
Was on a 10-degree left vector to avoid heavy weather. Just as we came to the end of the weather (according to xm weather) my engine started running rough. I immediately applied carb heat. Within ~ 15 seconds; I lost ~ 4-5' of manifold pressure and was concerned about 1) maintaining altitude and 2) possibility of engine failure.I [advised] approach and requested an immediate descent to 7;000 which was approved. I explained I was having engine problems.[approach] was trying to assist; but they added confusion to the cockpit. I knew exactly where I was and did not need the closest airport. My main concern was getting engine power back again.~ 30 seconds into the descent engine power came back to full power. I leveled off at 7;000 VMC and checked everything; mags; fuel selector; boost pump; carb heat off. After ~ 1 minute; I [advised ATC] and continued IFR to my destination without any problems.there was no icing on the wings or windshields; just visible moisture.I do believe I had carb ice; and it took quite a while to clear. I am considering using carb heat earlier/more aggressively when IMC at or near freezing; as well as going higher or lower earlier.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: RV4 pilot reported his engine started running rough but cleared approximately one minute after carburetor heat was applied.
Narrative: Was on a 10-degree left vector to avoid heavy weather. Just as we came to the end of the weather (according to XM Weather) my engine started running rough. I immediately applied carb heat. Within ~ 15 seconds; I lost ~ 4-5' of manifold pressure and was concerned about 1) maintaining altitude and 2) possibility of engine failure.I [advised] Approach and requested an immediate descent to 7;000 which was approved. I explained I was having engine problems.[Approach] was trying to assist; but they added confusion to the cockpit. I knew exactly where I was and did not need the closest airport. My main concern was getting engine power back again.~ 30 seconds into the descent engine power came back to full power. I leveled off at 7;000 VMC and checked everything; mags; fuel selector; boost pump; carb heat off. After ~ 1 minute; I [advised ATC] and continued IFR to my destination without any problems.There was no icing on the wings or windshields; just visible moisture.I do believe I had carb ice; and it took quite a while to clear. I am considering using carb heat earlier/more aggressively when IMC at or near freezing; as well as going higher or lower earlier.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.