ROBERT MILES Smith Trike
Lewiston, IL — July 4, 2018
Event Information
| Date | July 4, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA397 |
| Event ID | 20180708X94157 |
| Location | Lewiston, IL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.34611, -90.16805 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | ROBERT MILES |
| Model | Smith Trike |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
A total loss of engine power due to the pilot's failure to apply carburetor heat in conditions conducive to carburetor icing and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during a forced landing.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during cruise flight into "wispy clouds," the engine started to "run rough" then lost all power. About 800 ft. agl, he restarted the engine, but it quit again. He attempted to restart the engine multiple times but was unsuccessful, so he selected a gravel road for landing. During the landing, the airplane ground looped into a ditch.
The pilot added that he did not apply carburetor heat during the accident flight.
The biplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located 25 nautical miles away from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 170° at 5 knots, visibility of 7 statute miles, clouds broken at 4,800 feet above aerodrome level, temperature at 77°F, and dew point at 75°F.
Review of the Federal Aviation Administration Carburetor Icing Chart for the given temperature and dew point revealed that the conditions were conducive to "serious icing (glide power)." (For more information, see Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 in the public docket.)
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.