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NTSB Report
August 16, 2009 · Piper PA-28-161 · N47539
Washington, IA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 16, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Washington, IA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N47539
Operator
Jarrard Edward E
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA532
The pilot was returning to the airport to land when the accident occurred. He was 1 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 are conducive to visible icing at rated power.
NTSB 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.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 CDT
Nearest AirportWashington Municipal (3nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN47539
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJarrard Edward E
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 78 · Third Class · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time20:35
Weather SourceWFAC