Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA12 near Cochranton, PA — 2018-09-01

Final reportERA18LA243
Sign in to save
Date
2018-09-01
Location
Cochranton, PA, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA12
Registration
N3415M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he had been flying for about 30 minutes when the engine lost total power. He flew the airplane toward a clearing for a forced landing, during which the airplane impacted a tree, resulting in substantial damage. Examination of the airplane and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Although weather conditions at the accident site were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice at cruise power settings, the pilot provided conflicting statements regarding his use of carburetor heat, and whether carburetor icing played a role in the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have used carburetor heat to prevent engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps