Cardinal 177/177RG
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 525; Flight Crew Type 340
Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Weather; Aircraft
I was in cruise flight at 12;000 FT IMC with no evident airframe icing. I initially lost power and manifold pressure was restored to 10-15 inches by adjusting the mixture. My primary focus was flying the airplane and I likely violated altitude on a number of occasions for the duration of the flight. I did request and was assigned a block to help. However; there were occasions that I was flirting with the lowest assigned altitude to maintain flight. By continuing to manage mixture I was able to continue on and subsequently land at destination. Upon landing I discovered that my air filter was completely iced over in addition to other icing within the cowling. Again; there was no airframe icing. One option to avoid busting my assigned altitude would have been to declare an emergency and to land instead of continuing flight. However; given the power issues I was not comfortable with the current weather at my potential divert airport and looking at my on-board XM weather it appeared conditions were more favorable to the North. I'm currently working with my mechanic to better understand the induction icing issues specific to the Cardinal RG aircraft and researching similar issues.
C177RG pilot reports a power loss while cruising at 12;000 FT in IMC and elects to continue to destination. Post flight reveals the engine air filter to be completely iced over.