Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near Surfside Beach, SC — 2008-07-15

Final reportNYC08LA249
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Date
2008-07-15
Location
Surfside Beach, SC, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N4287Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. Contributing to the accident was the obstruction of the carburetor heat flapper by a mud dauber's nest.

NTSB narrative

During the second banner-tow flight of the day, the pilot noticed a slight vibration emanating from the engine, which several seconds later became a "very intense" vibration. The engine power began to diminish rapidly, so the pilot began searching for a suitable forced landing site. During the descent, the pilot attempted to restore engine power, and applied carburetor heat, but his efforts were unsuccessful. During the forced landing, the wheels of the airplane encountered an area of soft ground and the airplane subsequently nosed-over resulting in substantial damage. Post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the carburetor heat flapper was obstructed by a mud dauber's nest. Examination of carburetor ice probability charts indicated "serious icing at glide power," or "light icing - glide or cruise power."

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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