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June 3, 2023 · Piper PA-25-235 · N8843L

Carrington, ND

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 3, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Carrington, ND
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-235
Tail Number
N8843L
Operator
Polries Larry J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA233

The pilot reported that after engine start, taxi, and run-up, he remained on the ground about 10 minutes at idle power waiting for a rise in oil temperature and reduction in oil pressure since it was the first flight of the day, and the engine was cold. Shortly after departure while turning onto the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine lost power and the pilot executed a forced landing to a gravel road. During landing, the airplane impacted a drainage ditch, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. A review of meteorological information revealed that the airplane was operating in an environment conducive to serious carburetor icing at a glide power setting. During a postaccident examination, no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were discovered that would have precluded normal operation. With no anomalies noted from the postaccident examination and the weather conditions present at the time of the accident, it is likely that carburetor ice formed during the extended ground run at idle power while the pilot waited for the oil temperature to rise.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power as a result of carburetor ice that formed while the engine was operating at a low power setting for an extended period of time before departure.

Full Narrative

On June 3, 2023, about 0900 central daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235 airplane, N8843L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Carrington, North Dakota. The pilot was uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. According to the pilot, after engine start, he taxied to the end of the runway to perform an engine run-up and allow the oil temperature to rise. During the run-up, the pilot checked the magnetos and turned on the carburetor heat. During the carburetor heat check, he noted an expected drop in rpm and then turned off the carburetor heat. He stated that he remained on the ground about 10 minutes at idle power waiting for a rise in oil temperature and reduction in oil pressure since it was the first flight of the day and the engine was cold. The pilot stated that shortly after departure while turning onto the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine lost power, and he executed a forced landing to a gravel road. During landing, the airplane impacted a drainage ditch, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. During a postaccident examination, no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were discovered that would have precluded normal operation. The temperature (75°F) and dewpoint (62°F) about the time of the accident were plotted on a carburetor icing probability chart, which showed that the airplane was operating in an environment conducive for serious carburetor icing at a glide power setting. (See figure.) Figure. Carburetor Icing Probability Chart. Reference: FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25-235
Tail NumberN8843L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPolries Larry J
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B2C5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 23 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time08:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data