Pilot Debrief

Zenair ZENITH CH 750 near Temple, TX — 2018-09-10

Final reportCEN18LA385
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Date
2018-09-10
Location
Temple, TX, USA
Aircraft
Zenair ZENITH CH 750
Registration
N946JY
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The accumulation of carburetor ice before takeoff, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power on initial climb and a forced landing on unsuitable terrain.

NTSB narrative

Before takeoff, the private pilot completed a preflight inspection, engine start, and two engine run-ups with no anomalies noted. Shortly after takeoff, when the airplane was about 400 ft above ground level, the engine began to vibrate, and the pilot noticed a partial loss of power. He suspected carburetor icing and applied carburetor heat but observed no change to the engine power. Due to the low altitude, the pilot chose to execute a forced landing to a field. The airplane touched down in the soft field, and the nose gear collapsed. Postaccident examination of the airplane, which included the fuel system, revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that he should have applied carburetor heat before takeoff to clear any potential ice buildup during the taxi and subsequent engine run-ups. The airplane was operating in an area with weather conditions conducive to the formation of serious carburetor ice at glide power settings. Thus, the partial loss of engine power was likely due to an accumulation of carburetor ice while operating at reduced engine power settings before takeoff.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have applied carburetor heat before takeoff to prevent icing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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