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Carb icing contributes to crash

By NTSB · October 21, 2016 ·

The pilot and flight instructor were practicing takeoffs and landings near Richland Center, Wis. During the fourth takeoff, the engine started running roughly and losing power; it then stopped producing power.

They subsequently conducted a forced landing to a field. The Zodiak 601XL sustained substantial damage to the nose landing gear.

Both wing fuel tanks contained fuel. An examination of the airframe, engine, and related systems revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

The temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were conducive to the accumulation of carburetor icing at glide and cruise power settings. Therefore, it is likely that carburetor ice accumulated during the landing and was present at takeoff, which resulted in the loss of engine power.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident as the loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB Identification: CEN15LA020

This October 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.

About NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. It determines the probable causes of accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

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Comments

  1. Tim says

    November 22, 2016 at 10:14 am

    Accumulation of carb icing should really be checked in order to avoid things like these.

  2. Hue Gammill says

    October 25, 2016 at 8:38 am

    We are not even given what engine was involved!

  3. Robert says

    October 24, 2016 at 9:10 am

    Many different thought to when carb heat use an how long. Different models call for different periods an locations. Forget chech list an you have problems.

  4. Robert Reser says

    October 24, 2016 at 7:24 am

    There is no reference from the Pilot’s if they used carb heat at any time which seems strange for someone making continuous touch and go’s.

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