Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near Pullman, WA — 2010-12-04

Final reportWPR11CA072
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Date
2010-12-04
Location
Pullman, WA, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N4100Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's delayed application of carburetor heat while maneuvering, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was maneuvering the airplane at a low altitude over open, snow-covered terrain, and noticed that the engine was beginning to lose power and running roughly. The airplane was starting to lose altitude and in response, he applied the carburetor heat and added full engine power. Just as the engine started to regain power, the main landing gear broke through the crusty top layer of the snow, slowing the airplane. The propeller contacted the snow and the pilot decreased the engine power and attempted to transition to a landing. The airplane nosed over inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and both left wing lift struts. According to the pilot, with the exception of the accumulation of carburetor ice, there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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