Pilot Debrief

HESS JOHN L SPEZIO II near Newville, PA — 2008-12-18

Final reportERA09LA098
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Date
2008-12-18
Location
Newville, PA, USA
Aircraft
HESS JOHN L SPEZIO II
Registration
N66JH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to carburetor ice as a result of the pilot's delayed use of carburetor heat.

NTSB narrative

While the airplane was in level flight about 1,000 feet above the ground, the pilot added carburetor heat. The engine immediately began to run roughly, so the pilot attempted to add power, and the engine then lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a turnpike; however, as he flared the airplane for the landing, it impacted the rear of a moving tractor trailer before dropping to the ground. The landing gear collapsed, and the airplane nosed over a guard rail, which caught part of the airplane's landing gear. No preaccident mechanical anomalies were noted, and when tested, the engine started easily. Ambient temperature and dew point conditions were conducive to serious carburetor icing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have continued to Hagerstown for fuel instead of diverting to Carlisle.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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