Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 22-160 near Tyler, MN — 2015-08-25

Final reportCEN15LA382
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Date
2015-08-25
Location
Tyler, MN, USA
Airport
63Y
Aircraft
PIPER PA 22-160
Registration
N2805Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to adequately ensure the carburetor was clear of ice before takeoff, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to carburetor icing.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that the airplane was topped off with fuel before the flight and that he completed a functional check of the carburetor heat during his pretakeoff engine run-up. Shortly after liftoff, he observed a significant decrease in engine speed, and the airplane began to descend. He reduced the pitch to increase airspeed, but the airplane descended into a cornfield about 50 ft past the end of the runway. Postaccident engine examination did not reveal any evidence of preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Fuel samples from each wing tank, the fuel lines, the fuel strainer, and the carburetor bowl were consistent with 100 low-lead aviation fuel and did not contain any water or debris. The weather conditions were conducive to the formation of serious carburetor icing at all power settings. Additionally, the pilot reported that the grass runway was wet with dew, which likely increased the air humidity over the runway and the possibility of carburetor ice formation during taxi and takeoff. Although the pilot reported that he conducted a functional check of the carburetor heat before departure, it is likely he did not adequately ensure that the carburetor was clear of ice before beginning the takeoff. Based on the available information, the partial loss of engine power during takeoff was likely due to carburetor ice accumulation. The pilot did not have a valid pilot certificate, and his most recent student certificate had been expired for 5.5 years. Additionally, federal regulations prohibit student pilots from acting as pilot-in-command of an aircraft carrying passengers.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to engine power loss after liftoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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