This July 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Piper Super Cub. Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: Surfside, S.C. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The airplane was used to tow banners. During the second banner-tow flight of the day, the pilot noticed a slight vibration emanating from the engine, which increased rapidly, and the engine power decreased. The pilot began searching for a suitable forced landing site while attempting to restore engine power, which included applying carburetor heat, but his efforts were unsuccessful. During the forced landing, the wheels of the airplane encountered an area of soft ground and the airplane subsequently nosed over, resulting in substantial damage. Post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the carburetor heat flapper was obstructed by a mud dauber’s nest. Examination of carburetor ice probability charts indicated conditions ripe for carburetor icing.
Probable cause: A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. Contributing to the accident was the obstruction of the carburetor heat flapper by a mud dauber’s nest.
For more information: NTSB.gov
