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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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NTSB Report

August 3, 2012 · Weatherly Aviation 620B · N2008S

Holcomb, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 3, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Holcomb, KS
Aircraft
Weatherly Aviation 620B
Tail Number
N2008S
Operator
Farmers Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA514

The pilot reported that the airplane's engine lost power after takeoff. He noted that the engine rpm during the takeoff was about 30 rpm lower than he was accustomed to but still within the normal operating range. After gaining about 50 feet of altitude, the airplane lost power and the pilot attempted to drop the chemical load to remain airborne. The airplane impacted an open field about one mile from the airstrip. Subsequent examinations of the airplane engine and systems did not reveal any anomalies that would explain the loss of engine power. The temperature and dew point were within the range of susceptibility for carburetor icing at glide and cruise power, and within the range of susceptibility for serious icing at glide power. The pilot did not mention using carburetor heat during the pre-takeoff run-up or during the power loss event. Based on the available information it is likely that the airplane's engine lost power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat while operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power shortly after takeoff.

Full Narrative

On August 3, 2012, about 0919 central daylight time, a Weatherly 620B, N2008S, sustained substantial damage when it impacted the ground following a loss of engine power during takeoff from a field near Holcomb, Kansas. The pilot received minor injuries. The aircraft was owned and operated by Farmers Aviation, Inc., under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an agricultural application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.The pilot reported that he completed a preflight examination and pre-takeoff run-up of the airplane with no anomalies noted. He stated that the takeoff roll was normal and the airplane lifted off in a reasonable distance. He did notice about a 30 rpm drop during takeoff compared to other takeoffs but the engine speed was still within the normal operating range. After gaining about 50 feet of altitude the airplane started losing power. The pilot attempted to drop the chemical load in an effort to stay airborne but the airplane impacted an open field about one mile north of the airstrip. The pilot stated that he thought the engine had lost almost all power by the time the airplane impacted the field. The pilot did not mention using carburetor heat during the pre-takeoff run-up or during the power loss event. Examination of the airplane and engine revealed no preimpact anomalies that would explain the loss of engine power. Subsequent re-examination of the engine also revealed no anomalies. The carburetor and magnetos were sent to the NTSB investigator-in-charge for further examination. The carburetor was disassembled and no anomalies were noted. The right magneto was broken due to the impact; however, no anomalies were detected upon examination. The left magneto was intact and produced spark when rotated. At 0854, the weather conditions recorded at the Garden City Regional Airport, Garden City, Kansas, about 15 miles east of the accident site included a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius and a dew point of 19 degrees Celsius. According to the carburetor icing chart found in Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, entitled "Carburetor Icing Prevention", the reported temperature and dew point fall in the range of susceptibility for icing during glide and cruise power settings, and within the range of susceptibility for serious icing during glide power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:19 MDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Airstrip (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWeatherly Aviation 620B
Tail NumberN2008S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFarmers Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-985 SERIES · Reciprocating · 450
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time13:54

Appendix: Source Data