Pilot Debrief

CZECH AIRCRAFT WORKS SPOL SRO SPORTCRUISER near Swainsboro, GA — 2008-10-05

Final reportERA09FA005
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Date
2008-10-05
Location
Swainsboro, GA, USA
Aircraft
CZECH AIRCRAFT WORKS SPOL SRO SPORTCRUISER
Registration
N742EA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing as a result of the pilot's failure to use carburetor heat.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was performing slow flight over his property at 60 knots and 1,000 feet above ground level. He noticed that the airplane was descending and applied full throttle. The engine did not respond as expected, so he looked for a place to land. He did not recall if the engine stopped running. While attempting a forced landing, the airplane collided with trees and terrain in a wooded area. Examination of the airframe did not reveal evidence of a preimpact malfunction or failure. Examination of the propeller at the accident site did not reveal evidence of rotation at impact. The carburetor heat control was found in the closed (cold) position. Following the recovery of the wreckage, the engine was tested on the airframe and attained 3,300 rpms with no misfiring or hesitation. The airplane had accumulated 88 hours since new. Review of a Federal Aviation Administration Carburetor Icing Probability Chart indicated "Serious icing (glide power)" for the reported temperature and dew point conditions.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked carburetor settings before flight to prevent icing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • FDR / data
  • Photos
  • 14 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents14

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