wrxpilot
New Member
Are you saying that airplanes in Phoenix can't get carb icing?
Theoretically, you can get icing anywhere depending upon the conditions. Unlike Spokane, deserts are typically not conducive to carburettor icing. Phoenix is in the Sonoran desert. Hence, it is typically unlikely to have factors favorable for the generation of carb ice.
Let's use this particular incident as an example -
Here's the METAR for Phoenix when the emergency landing occurred:
KPHX 151551Z 27014KT 10SM FEW050 SCT100 17/00 A2979
Below is a chart for determining carb ice probability (17C = 63F, 0C = 32F):


Theoretically the probability for icing is right on the edge. Is it possible? Probably. Is it likely? Statistically under the conditions they had that morning, it isn't. The point is, when I hear a piston airplane had a problem in Phoenix, icing isn't the first thing to jump into my head.