Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Commercial
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Human Factors; Weather; Aircraft
[My aircraft] started to descend due to loss of power. I was level at 12;000 ft; at 2600 RPM; air temp was 12C and when a light drizzle of rain started; the temperature dropped to 4C. I noticed a noise change in the engine; dropping down to 2200 RPM. This happened right after a light drizzle of rain started. The airspeed went from 93 knots indicated; and was dropping below 60 knots indicated. At 75 knots; I disconnected the autopilot to make sure the aircraft wouldn't stall; then reported to ATC that we were unable to maintain 12;000 ft; and needed vectors and a lower altitude immediately. The aircraft lost approximately 400 ft before the engine began to produce max power and was able to maintain altitude. I noticed the power came back after I was clear of the light drizzle rain. I would suspect induction ice was the cause of this event.
C172 pilot reported a power loss that led to an altitude deviation that was probably related to carburetor icing.