Pilot Debrief

WEATHERLY AVIATION CO INC 620B near Holcomb, KS — 2012-08-03

Final reportCEN12LA514
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Date
2012-08-03
Location
Holcomb, KS, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
WEATHERLY AVIATION CO INC 620B
Registration
N2008S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat while operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power shortly after takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane's engine lost power after takeoff. He noted that the engine rpm during the takeoff was about 30 rpm lower than he was accustomed to but still within the normal operating range. After gaining about 50 feet of altitude, the airplane lost power and the pilot attempted to drop the chemical load to remain airborne. The airplane impacted an open field about one mile from the airstrip. Subsequent examinations of the airplane engine and systems did not reveal any anomalies that would explain the loss of engine power. The temperature and dew point were within the range of susceptibility for carburetor icing at glide and cruise power, and within the range of susceptibility for serious icing at glide power. The pilot did not mention using carburetor heat during the pre-takeoff run-up or during the power loss event. Based on the available information it is likely that the airplane's engine lost power due to carburetor icing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not use carburetor heat during pre-takeoff or power loss event.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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