Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150L near Vidalia, LA — 2011-10-07

Final reportCEN12LA015
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Date
2011-10-07
Location
Vidalia, LA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 150L
Registration
N642EZ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power likely due to carburetor ice.

NTSB narrative

While in a descent for landing about 11 miles away, the pilot applied full carburetor heat and the engine almost lost total power. The pilot immediately turned off the carburetor heat and the engine began to run rough and eventually lost all power. The pilot made a forced landing to a field and the airplane nosed over. A postaccident examination of the engine and airplane found no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. It was noted that, at the time of the accident, the airplane was being operated in conditions conducive to carburetor icing at glide power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided carburetor heat application leading to power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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