Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 180 near Grove, OK — 2018-03-31

Final reportCEN18LA131
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Date
2018-03-31
Location
Grove, OK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 180
Registration
N2485C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to carburetor ice accumulation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat immediately following the loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot reported that, while in cruise flight, the engine "coughed once, then died." The pilot attempted to restore power without success, then performed a forced landing to a rodeo arena. The pilot also stated that he did not apply carburetor heat following the loss of engine power. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failures that would have precluded normal operation. A review of the recorded weather information in the area indicated that the atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the accumulation of serious icing at any power setting. The total loss of engine power was likely due to an accumulation of carburetor ice. Had the pilot immediately applied carburetor heat, it is possible that it would have cleared the ice and restored engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for carburetor icing before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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