Pilot Debrief

CHAMPION 7ECA near Sheridan, AR — 2015-10-30

Final reportCEN16LA025
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Date
2015-10-30
Location
Sheridan, AR, USA
Airport
9M8
Aircraft
CHAMPION 7ECA
Registration
N9105L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was taking off for a personal local flight. The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff and as the airplane reached about 700 ft above ground level, the engine began to gradually lose power. He attempted to return to the departure airport, but the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. He subsequently chose to perform an off-airport landing, during which the airplane struck trees. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no preimpact anomalies. A subsequent test run was performed, and no operational defects were noted. The weather conditions were conducive for moderate icing at cruise power and serious icing at descent power, and the pilot's description of a gradual and continual loss of engine power is consistent with the effects of carburetor icing. Therefore, it is likely that the engine lost power due to carburetor icing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff if engine issues were suspected during climb.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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