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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

January 13, 2008 · Piper PA-12 · N7243V

Centerville, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 13, 2008
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Centerville, WA
Aircraft
Piper PA-12
Tail Number
N7243V
Operator
Dwayne a Hansen
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA08LA063

The pilot reported that he was maneuvering the airplane when the engine lost power. He stated that the carburetor heat was on at the time. The pilot reported that he attempted to regain power; however, the engine did not respond and the airplane subsequently collided with terrain in a nose-low attitude. The airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the firewall and empennage. Post accident examination of the engine by a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic revealed no mechanical anomalies with the engine. Trace amounts of water were noted in the carburetor's accelerator pump during the examination. Data taken from a carburetor icing probability chart showed that the known temperature conditions were favorable for "icing" at "glide and cruise power" settings.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing conditions and the failure of the pilot to use the correct amount of carburetor heat for the existing conditions.

Full Narrative

On January 13, 2008, at 1534 Pacific standard time, a float equipped Piper PA-12, N7243V, sustained substantial damage when it collided with terrain subsequent to a loss of engine power near Centerville, Washington, about 10 miles north of The Dalles Airport (KDLS). The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated by the pilot and owned by HBC Properties of Portland, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 91 and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from KDLS about 1435. The pilot reported that he was maneuvering the airplane near a private airstrip at 300-feet above ground level (agl) when the engine lost power. He stated that during a descending left hand 40-45 degree bank turn, with the carburetor heat on, the airplane "...went into a slip attitude." The pilot reported that he attempted to correct the situation by applying full power, however, the engine did not respond and the airplane subsequently collided with terrain in a nose-low attitude. The airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the firewall and empennage. Post accident examination of the engine by a certified airframe and power plant mechanic revealed no mechanical anomalies with the engine. Trace amounts of water were noted in the carburetor's accelerator pump during the examination. According to the automated weather recorded at KDLS during the timeframe of the accident, the temperature was 48 degrees Fahrenheit and the dewpoint was 43 degrees Fahrenheit. Data taken from a carburetor icing probability chart showed that the known temperature conditions were favorable for "icing" at "glide and cruise power" settings. The pilot stated the engine's carburetor heat appeared to be functioning properly during the preflight run-up.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:34 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN7243V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDwayne a Hansen
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 43 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data