Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150H near Lawrenceville, VA — 2009-06-13

Final reportERA09LA347
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Date
2009-06-13
Location
Lawrenceville, VA, USA
Airport
LVL
Aircraft
CESSNA 150H
Registration
N22075
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB narrative

During the solo student pilot's third takeoff for the day, he climbed to 700 feet mean sea level and experienced a total loss of engine power. The airspeed dropped and he re-established the airspeed by pitching down. He saw a lumber factory ahead and aimed for the driveway. The airplane touched down and while rolling out, hit a light pole on the right side of the wingtip. The airplane went left and was stopped by a tree impact. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of a preexisting mechanical failure or malfunction. Additionally, adequate fuel was noted in the fuel system. Subsequent to the examination, a successful test-run of the engine was performed. A review of a carburetor icing probability chart showed that the aircraft was operating in conditions (Temperature 88 degrees F, Dew Point 70 degrees F) were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power. It is unknown whether or not the pilot used carburetor heat during the flight. However, since no anomalies were found with the engine and it was successfully operated during a post-accident test run, it is likely that carburetor icing occurred.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the takeoff after experiencing engine problems.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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