Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 7CCM near Kenai, AK — 2025-03-20

Final reportANC25LA026
Sign in to save
Date
2025-03-20
Location
Kenai, AK, USA
Airport
ENA
Aircraft
AERONCA 7CCM
Registration
N2527B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing as a result of the pilot’s inadequate use of carburetor heat.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during cruise flight about 1,500 ft mean sea level, the engine lost total power. The pilot initiated a forced landing to an abandoned access road. During the landing, the airplane collided with trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The weather conditions near the accident location about the time of the accident were conducive to carburetor ice at glide or cruise power. The pilot had been flying in the area and had completed her flight review earlier in the day with no carburetor icing issues. Although she had been using carburetor heat throughout the day, she could not remember if the carburetor heat was in the On or Off position when the engine lost power. The carburetor heat control was found in the Off position after the accident. The pilot does not remember if the carburetor heat was in the on or off position. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the results of the engine examination and the postaccident position of the carburetor heat control, the loss of engine power was likely due to carburetor icing that had accrued due to an inadequate application of carburetor heat.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps