Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 94; Flight Crew Total 1430; Flight Crew Type 1073
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft; Weather
During a training flight; while in communication with [a military airfield]; I experienced a partial engine failure (power dropped from 2;000 RPM to 1;800 RPM upon application of full power). Attempts were made to apply carburetor heat; change tanks; and check magnetos with no change in engine status. I immediately diverted approximately 3 miles west to the nearest airport; which was [the military airfield]; declared an emergency so we could gain access to the military base; and landed without incident. Upon inspection it was determined the aircraft experienced carburetor ice apparently beyond the ability of the carburetor heat to eliminate. After paperwork at the facility to substantiate the need to land at the military base; a local Aircraft Mechanic inspected the aircraft and we decided to depart and return to our local Mechanic. The flight continued without incident and inspections are being made to determine carburetor ice was the most likely reason for the engine anomaly before the aircraft is returned to the flight line at the flight school.
A C172 Flight Instructor reported loss of power when carburetor heat apparently was unable to cope with the icing conditions. Aircraft diverted to a nearby military airfield.