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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

July 31, 2011 · Alon A-2A · N5647F

Rolfe, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 31, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Rolfe, IA
Aircraft
Alon A-2A
Tail Number
N5647F
Operator
Howell Jan J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11CA532

The pilot applied carburetor heat twice during the flight to regain engine power. Following the second application of carburetor heat, he was not confident that the engine was producing full power and he elected to make a precautionary landing on a road; however, during the landing approach he noted power lines and a fence bordering the road. The pilot decided the road was not suitable for landing. Concerned that the engine was not performing well enough to execute a go-around, the pilot elected to continue the landing into a nearby cornfield. The airplane contacted the corn crop, a ditch, and a fence during the landing resulting in substantial damage to the wings and firewall. According to the Federal Aviation Administration icing probability chart, the airplane was operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing at glide and cruise power at the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Temp/humidity/pressure-Conducive to carburetor icing-Effect on equipment

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that the engine began to lose power during cruise flight. He applied carburetor heat and engine power was restored. Approximately 5 minutes later, the engine again began to lose power. The pilot applied carburetor heat and the engine power increased; however, the pilot was concerned the engine was not developing full power. He elected to make a precautionary landing on a road, but during the landing approach he noted power lines and a fence bordering the road. The pilot decided the road was not suitable for landing. Concerned that the engine was not performing well enough to execute a go-around, the pilot elected to continue the landing into a nearby cornfield. The airplane contacted the corn crop, a ditch, and a fence during the landing resulting in substantial damage to the wings and firewall. According to the Federal Aviation Administration icing probability chart, with the temperature and dew point, 84 degrees Fahrenheit and 75 degrees Fahrenheit respectively, conditions were conducive for carburetor ice at glide and cruise power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftAlon A-2A
Tail NumberN5647F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHowell Jan J
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C90 · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 76 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time17:35

Appendix: Source Data