Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 177B near Mashpee, MA — 2010-08-02

Final reportERA10LA396
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Date
2010-08-02
Location
Mashpee, MA, USA
Airport
5B6
Aircraft
CESSNA 177B
Registration
N925KM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s delayed use of carburetor heat while flying at reduced power settings in conditions that were favorable for carburetor icing resulting in the partial loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The flight had been flown at a reduced power setting and about 2 hours and 5 minutes into it, the pilot moved the propeller control to the low pitch position and applied the carburetor heat. The engine lost power and in response, the pilot removed the carburetor heat and then attempted to restore engine power by reapplying carburetor heat and switching the fuel selector to another tank. The engine only responded for a few seconds and lost power again. He maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing and ditched near a shoreline. A postaccident examination of the engine and engine accessories by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no evidence of mechanical failures or malfunctions that could have contributed to the loss of engine power. Based on the temperature and dew point about the time of the accident, the conditions were favorable for serious icing at glide power.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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