Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near North Myrtle Beach, SC — 2012-07-18

Final reportERA12LA468
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Date
2012-07-18
Location
North Myrtle Beach, SC, USA
Airport
CRE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N2991Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was towing a banner near the shoreline at an altitude of about 500 feet when the engine began to lose power. He applied carburetor heat; however, the engine continued to lose power and then stopped completely. The pilot was not able to restart the engine and performed a forced landing to the water. He exited the airplane before it sank to a depth of about 30 feet. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation; however, the engine exhibited significant damage consistent with saltwater corrosion, which precluded a check of the fuel and ignition systems. The airplane had been operated for about 50 hours since its most recent 100 hour inspection, which was performed about 9 days before the accident, and the engine had been operated for about 150 hours since it was overhauled about 1 month before the accident. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to carburetor icing at glide power and cruise power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked carburetor heat earlier or avoided icing conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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