PIPER PA-28-161
Washington, IA — August 16, 2009
Event Information
| Date | August 16, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA532 |
| Event ID | 20090819X15749 |
| Location | Washington, IA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 41.30528, -91.65528 |
| Airport | Washington Municipal |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-28-161 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing as a result of the pilot's failure to use carburetor heat in conditions that were conducive to carburetor icing.
Full Narrative
The pilot was returning to the airport to land when the accident occurred. He was one mile from the airport when the engine lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a corn field during which, he suffered a broken arm. Post accident inspection of the airframe and engine failed to reveal any mechanical failure/malfunction which would have resulted in the loss of engine power. The pilot stated he did not use carburetor heat during the descent back to the airport. The local temperature and dewpoint were 27 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius respectively. These conditions were conducive to visible icing at rated power.
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.