Pilot Debrief

Donald K Stovall Pietenpol Aircamper near Rose Hill, KS — 2012-05-09

Final reportCEN12LA288
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Date
2012-05-09
Location
Rose Hill, KS, USA
Airport
K50
Aircraft
Donald K Stovall Pietenpol Aircamper
Registration
N728MK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB narrative

The amateur-built airplane's engine lost power after takeoff, and the pilot performed an off-airport landing. The airplane struck trees during the landing. A postaccident examination revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The temperature and dew point about the time of the accident were favorable for carburetor icing. Further, the Ford Model A engine that was installed on the airplane is noted for its susceptibility to the formation of carburetor ice. Additionally, the pilot reported his belief that the carburetor heat system of the airplane was ineffective at flight speeds and that the loss of power was due to the formation of carburetor ice.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Use carburetor heat during initial climb to prevent ice formation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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