Pilot Debrief

UNIVERSAL STINSON 108-1 near Macon, MS — 2015-04-16

Final reportERA15LA201
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Date
2015-04-16
Location
Macon, MS, USA
Aircraft
UNIVERSAL STINSON 108-1
Registration
N9799G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot departed on a short personal flight to a private runway in his tailwheel-equipped airplane. He reported that the engine began to run roughly and lost partial power as the airplane neared the destination. Realizing that he would not be able to reach the runway, he chose to perform a precautionary landing to a nearby road. The pilot stated that, during the landing approach, he did not observe any traffic on the road; however, the airplane touched down and came to rest on top of a truck, resulting in substantial damage. The engine was not examined after the accident; therefore, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. A carburetor icing probability chart indicated a potential for serious icing at glide power given the weather conditions at the time of the accident; however, the pilot did not indicate if he used carburetor heat during the flight. Thus, it could not be determined whether carburetor icing contributed to the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked carburetor heat before engine roughness began.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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