Pilot Debrief

Piper PA28 near Beverly, MA — 2020-03-12

Final reportERA20LA126
Sign in to save
Date
2020-03-12
Location
Beverly, MA, USA
Airport
BVY
Aircraft
Piper PA28
Registration
N656ST
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing, and the student pilot’s failure to utilize carburetor heat in conditions conducive to carburetor icing.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot performed a power-off approach and touch-and-go landing, and during the initial climb, the engine lost partial power. He made a left turn to land on another runway at the airport; however, the airplane did not touch down until it was about ¾ down the runway. The airplane continued off the runway and came to rest in trees past the airport perimeter fence, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, horizontal stabilizer, and engine mounts. An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical anomalies. The airplane was equipped with a carburetor ice detection system and both the control box and carburetor heat control lever were found in the off position. The pilot did not report using the carburetor heat during the flight. The atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious icing at cruise power. Since no anomalies were noted during the engine examination, it is likely that the loss of engine power was a result of carburetor icing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not use carburetor heat or ice detection system before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

Related mishaps