Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-22-150 near Cleveland, GA — 2020-12-27

Final reportERA21LA088
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Date
2020-12-27
Location
Cleveland, GA, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-22-150
Registration
N5939D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the total time idling on the ground before takeoff was about 10 to 12 minutes. During the initial climb, the engine lost power and the airplane began to settle. The pilot applied carburetor heat, switched the fuel selector from the right tank to the left tank and the engine surged, but then lost total power again. The airplane continued to settle until it impacted treetops, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. A postaccident examination and engine test run revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have prevented normal engine operation. Based on the temperature and dew point about the time of the accident, the conditions were favorable for carburetor icing at cruise and glide power settings. It is likely that carburetor ice formed during the time the airplane was idling on the ground before takeoff, resulting in the loss of engine power during the initial climb.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Apply carburetor heat before takeoff to prevent icing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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