Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 180J near Greenwood, MS — 2013-05-23

Final reportERA13LA257
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Date
2013-05-23
Location
Greenwood, MS, USA
Airport
GWO
Aircraft
CESSNA 180J
Registration
N9996N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot stated that, after performing a simulated engine failure about 300 feet above ground level, he advanced the throttle to full power, but the engine would not develop full power. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and maneuvered it for a forced landing to a nearby field. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. No evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or abnormalities were found with the engine that would have precluded normal operation. A review of meteorological data revealed that the airplane was being operated in conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power. The investigation could not determine if carburetor heat was used during the simulated engine failure; however, it is likely that if carburetor heat was not used, serious carburetor icing could have accumulated, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
CFI could have aborted the simulation earlier to prevent forced landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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