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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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December 30, 1991 · Piper PA 28-140 · N1733T

Blythe, GA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 30, 1991
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 serious injuries)
Location
Blythe, GA
Aircraft
Piper PA 28-140
Tail Number
N1733T
Operator
Giles David M
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL92FA032

DURING CLIMBOUT THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING IN A WOODED AREA. A WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE CUT OUT AS THE AIRPLANE FLEW OVER HIS LOCATION. SECONDS LATER THE AIRPLANE CRASHED IN THE ADJACENT WOODS AND BURNED. EXAMINATION OF THE ACCIDENT SITE DISCLOSED PROPELLER SLASH MARKS ON FRESHLY CUT TREES ALONG THE WRECKAGE PATH. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION FAILED TO REVEAL A MECHANICAL COMPONENT FAILURE OR A SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WITH THE POWERPLANT OR AIRFRAME. HOWEVER, THE LOCAL WEATHER REPORT INDICATED CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR THE FORMULATION OF CARBURETOR ICE. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S HANDBOOK, THE PILOT SHOULD CHECK THE CARBURETOR HEAT DURING THE GROUND CHECK TO ELIMINATE THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE DURING TAXI.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO APPLY CARBURETOR HEAT DURING THE BEFORE TAKEOFF CHECK AS PART OF THE GROUND CHECK. A FACTOR WAS WEATHER CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE.

Full Narrative

DURING CLIMBOUT THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING IN A WOODED AREA. A WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE CUT OUT AS THE AIRPLANE FLEW OVER HIS LOCATION. SECONDS LATER THE AIRPLANE CRASHED IN THE ADJACENT WOODS AND BURNED. EXAMINATION OF THE ACCIDENT SITE DISCLOSED PROPELLER SLASH MARKS ON FRESHLY CUT TREES ALONG THE WRECKAGE PATH. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION FAILED TO REVEAL A MECHANICAL COMPONENT FAILURE OR A SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WITH THE POWERPLANT OR AIRFRAME. HOWEVER, THE LOCAL WEATHER REPORT INDICATED CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR THE FORMULATION OF CARBURETOR ICE. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S HANDBOOK, THE PILOT SHOULD CHECK THE CARBURETOR HEAT DURING THE GROUND CHECK TO ELIMINATE THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE DURING TAXI.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 28-140
Tail NumberN1733T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGiles David M
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 140
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (4 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious4
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 37 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:20
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data