Probable Cause: A total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing as a result of the pilot’s delayed application of carburetor heat.
NTSB Accidents
Severe Turbulence, Airplane Issues Distract Pilot on Landing
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to extend and verify landing gear extension which resulted in a wheels-up landing. Contributing was the increased workload due to several airplane issues that occurred during the descent in severe turbulence.
Pilot Crashes in Box Canyon
Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadvertent entry to a box canyon where the airplane could not outclimb the rising terrain.
Crop Duster Collides With Ducks
Probable Cause: A low-level collision and engine ingestion with ducks, which resulted in a total loss of engine power, a forced landing, and a subsequent nose over.
Builder Error Proves Fatal for RV-12 Pilot
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper installation of the control stick pushrod assemblies, which resulted in separation of the left pushrod and a total loss of roll control during flight. Contributing to the accident was the failure to detect the installation error during the airplane’s construction, inspection, and subsequent maintenance.
Assumptions About Fuel Factor Into Colorado Crash
Probable Cause: The failure of the flight instructor and the pilot to visually confirm the airplane’s fuel quantity during preflight, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and an off-airport forced landing in rough terrain.
Passenger Not Wearing Seatbelt Seriously Injured When Pilot Loses Control While Landing
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain control while landing on a wet turf runway, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to ensure the passenger’s proper use of seatbelts before the landing.
Piper Ends Up in Watermelon Field After Pilot Changes Mind About Rejected Takeoff
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper decision to re-attempt a takeoff with little runway remaining, after rejecting a takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway overrun at a higher speed and collision with terrain.
Delayed Fuel Transfer Led to Vintage Jet Trainer Forced Landing
Probable Cause: The pilot’s delay in turning on the fuel tip tank transfer pumps after departure, resulting in fuel starvation to the engine, engine flameout, and a subsequent forced landing.