The pilot reported that he performed several high-speed taxis on his private airstrip near Pennsboro, W.Va.
After about 15 minutes, he initiated a takeoff on the 1,780-foot-long turf runway.
About 100 feet above ground level, the CubCrafters CC18-180’s engine either lost all power or went to idle (the pilot could not be sure). He did state that the engine was not running rough before the power loss.
He banked the plane left in an attempt to land on an adjacent property, but it stalled and hit a ravine.
The pilot added that during the attempted forced landing, the rpm momentarily increased and then decreased again.
Examination of the wreckage revealed that adequate fuel was on board and there was no evidence of fuel contamination. Continuity was confirmed throughout the fuel system and there were no obstructions in the intake or exhaust system.
The carburetor was actuated by hand and no anomalies were observed.
The propeller was rotated 360° by hand and no mechanical malfunctions were observed.
Review of a carburetor icing chart revealed that, for the given temperature and dew point, serious icing was possible at glide power, however the engine was at full power during the takeoff and initial climb before the loss of engine power.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as a loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined.
NTSB Identification: ERA14LA294
This June 2014 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.
The aircraft stalled?? That can only happen if the pilot holds the elevator control aft to cause it.
Shoulda woulda coulda but I’m guessing the carb should have been warmed during the high speed taxi tests before attempting a full power takeoff as a precaution against carb ice given the ambient conditions but then as always hindsight is 20/20.
I have gotten carb ice on the ground in Continental, Franklin and even radial engines and I believe that the carb equipped Lyc. will do the same. If the conditions are with soppy dew with the aircraft wet and maybe even some light fog thrown in you must be very aware of making ice. I have had to pull carb ice on the takeoff roll to clear the carb before liftoff at times.
The operator must have been worried some for letting the engine operate so long on the ground anyway. This article doesn’t elaborate on that part.