Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182 near Zephyrhills, FL — 2024-07-18

Final reportERA24LA315
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Date
2024-07-18
Location
Zephyrhills, FL, USA
Airport
ZPH
Aircraft
CESSNA 182
Registration
N8523T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to the formation of carburetor ice as a result of the pilot’s delayed application of carburetor heat.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, the airplane’s engine started to run rough. He applied carburetor heat, and the engine operation smoothed out. Less than a minute later, the roughness returned, and the engine lost all power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot attempted to land in a nearby field. The airplane collided with a fence during the descent and came to rest in a field with rough ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wing assemblies. A postaccident examination and engine test run revealed no mechanical anomalies. Weather conditions near the accident site were conducive to carburetor icing at glide and cruise power settings. Although the pilot applied carburetor heat following the engine roughness, it is likely that the ice accumulated to the degree that the carburetor heat was insufficient to maintain full power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have returned to Cross City Airport after engine started running rough.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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