Pilot Debrief

Cessna 305A near Houston, MO — 2019-07-21

Final reportCEN19LA229
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Date
2019-07-21
Location
Houston, MO, USA
Airport
M48
Aircraft
Cessna 305A
Registration
N1831
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during initial climb due to carburetor icing, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with trees and terrain.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was practicing full-stop takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern. During the fourth takeoff, about 500 to 600 ft above the ground, the airplane's engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing and the airplane impacted trees and terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. Postaccident examination, which included three engine test runs, failed to duplicate the power loss. Examination of the carburetor revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Atmospheric conditions about the time of the accident were conducive to the development of serious carburetor icing at glide power. Given the absence of mechanical anomalies, it is likely that the loss of engine power was the result of carburetor ice accumulation while the engine was being operated at reduced power settings during the previous landings and ground operations.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before takeoff to ensure adequate fuel.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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