Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28 near Union, SC — 2020-09-27

Final reportERA20LA335
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Date
2020-09-27
Location
Union, SC, USA
Airport
35A
Aircraft
PIPER PA28
Registration
N33859
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat in conditions conducive to the development of carburetor icing.

NTSB narrative

The noninstrument-rated pilot departed into instrument meteorological conditions and returned to the airport about 20 minutes later, communicating to a witness via radio that he could not see the ground. The witness attempted to guide the pilot back to the airport; however, the pilot stated he was having “engine trouble” and the airplane impacted trees in the vicinity of the airport. A postimpact fire ensued, which consumed most of the fuselage. The propeller did not exhibit any rotational scoring and the carburetor air box was consumed by fire. There were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the temperature and dew point about the time of the accident, the conditions were favorable for serious carburetor icing at a cruise power setting. It is likely that the engine lost power as a result of carburetor icing, and since the pilot reported to the local mechanic that he never used carburetor heat, the carburetor icing likely continued to accumulate until the engine lost total power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have heeded witness advice to not fly due to heavy fog.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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