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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

January 11, 2018 · S O C A T A MS893E · N353RA

Wadsworth, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 11, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Wadsworth, OH
Aircraft
S O C A T A MS893E (1978)
Tail Number
N353RA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN18LA073

The private pilot was ferrying the airplane, which he had not flown for more than 1 year and had an expired annual inspection, to a new hangar. While on final approach during the short flight, the engine lost total power. After unsuccessful attempts to restore engine power, the pilot made a forced landing and struck trees, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the engine or fuel system. The carburetor heat control was found in the off position at the accident site. The pilot reported that, although his normal habit pattern was to apply carburetor heat on downwind, he may not have on the accident flight. Nearby weather conditions were conducive to the formation of serious carburetor icing at descent power about the time of the engine power loss. Thus, it is likely that the pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat allowed carburetor ice to accumulate during the descent, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat during the approach, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

Full Narrative

On January 11, 2018, about 1130 eastern standard time, a S.O.C.A.T.A. MS893E airplane, N353RA, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Wadsworth Municipal Airport (3G3), Wadsworth, Ohio. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a ferry flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which departed without a flight plan from Reader-Botsford Airport (67D), Wellington, Ohio, about 1120. The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to ferry the airplane, which had an expired annual inspection, to a new hangar. During the approach to 3G3, the pilot noticed a loss of engine power. Following unsuccessful attempts to restore engine power, the pilot executed a forced landing, during which the airplane impacted trees and damaged both wings. Examination of the airplane at the accident site revealed the carburetor heat control was in the off position. The left fuel tank contained nine gallons of fuel and the right fuel tank contained seven gallons of fuel. The fuel contained no contaminants and no obstructions were found in the fuel lines. The engine was rotated by hand utilizing the propeller and compression was observed at all cylinders, with normal valve train and crankshaft continuity. Both magnetos were rotated by hand and produced spark at all leads. The engine fuel pump was actuated and exhibited normal suction and compression of fuel. The carburetor filter was free of contaminants and no anomalies were noted with the carburetor. Examination of the engine and fuel system revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded operation of the engine. The pilot stated that although his normal habit pattern was to activate the carburetor heat control while on downwind, this action may not have occurred on the accident flight and he thought the power loss might have been caused by carburetor icing. He had not flown the airplane for more than a year. The recorded temperature and dew point data from a nearby weather station were plotted on a carburetor icing chart. The charted data showed that the weather was conducive to serious icing at descent power near the time of the engine power loss.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EST
Nearest AirportWadsworth Muni (0nm SSE)
Runway20
Runway Length3529 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftS O C A T A MS893E
Tail NumberN353RA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O&VO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 73 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 12 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 46
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time16:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data