Probable Cause: The flight instructor’s failure to effectively utilize carburetor heat, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb due to carburetor ice that formed during the engine run-up and taxi.
NTSB Accidents
Ground service vehicle vs. Beech C90
The ground vehicle driver’s failure to see and maintain clearance from the airplane while conducting ground operations.
Incorrect installation of fuel pickups leads to crash
Probable Cause: The incorrect installation of the fuel pickups, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing was the lack of documentation of the airplane’s unusable fuel.
Pilot crashes after taking off with inoperative fuel selector valve
Probable Cause: A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing was the pilot’s decision to depart on the flight with an inoperative fuel selector valve.
Pilot seriously injured when he tries to take off with damaged wing
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper decision to takeoff with known damage to the wing and his failure to maintain directional control during takeoff on rough terrain.
Night flight in IMC ends in crash
Probable Cause: The pilot’s decision to attempt the night flight under VFR when IMC prevailed resulting in the airplane striking trees while on final approach. Contributing to the accident were the unserviceable runway lights at the destination airport.
Piper crashes after cowling opens after takeoff
Probable Cause: The flight instructor’s failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering to another runway after the engine cowling opened shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the failure of both the student pilot and flight instructor to conduct an adequate preflight inspection.
Pilot crashes while dragging landing site
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during a drag maneuver, which resulted in an overrun and subsequent impact with terrain.
Water contamination leads to loss of engine power
Probable Cause: Water contamination in the fuel system that was not observed during the preflight inspection, resulting in a total loss of engine power and forced landing.