Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18A 150 near Vermillion, SD — 2023-12-29

Final reportCEN24LA076
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Date
2023-12-29
Location
Vermillion, SD, USA
Airport
MVR
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18A 150
Registration
N2774P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s encounter with carburetor icing during landing final approach which resulted in fuel starvation, a total loss of engine power, and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, the airplane was on final approach for landing at the destination airport when the engine lost total power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a flat snow-covered field short of the runway. During the forced landing, the airplane nosed over and sustained damage to the left forward lift strut. During the recovery of the airplane, snow discoloration consistent with fuel staining was observed around the area of the fuel caps. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed fuel was present in the fuel lines, and no mechanical anomaly or failure was identified that would have precluded normal operation. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of carburetor icing at glide power. Although the pilot stated that he used carburetor heat from power reduction on downwind, he turned it off during the base leg. Thus, carburetor icing likely formed during final descent for landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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