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December 29, 2023 · Piper PA-18A 150 · N2774P

Vermillion, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 29, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Vermillion, SD
Aircraft
Piper PA-18A 150
Tail Number
N2774P
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN24LA076

According to the pilot, the airplane was on final approach for landing at the destination airport when the engine lost total power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a flat snow-covered field short of the runway. During the forced landing, the airplane nosed over and sustained damage to the left forward lift strut. During the recovery of the airplane, snow discoloration consistent with fuel staining was observed around the area of the fuel caps. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed fuel was present in the fuel lines, and no mechanical anomaly or failure was identified that would have precluded normal operation. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of carburetor icing at glide power. Although the pilot stated that he used carburetor heat from power reduction on downwind, he turned it off during the base leg. Thus, carburetor icing likely formed during final descent for landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s encounter with carburetor icing during landing final approach which resulted in fuel starvation, a total loss of engine power, and impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

On December 29, 2023, about 1200 central standard time, a Piper PA-18A 150 airplane, N2774P, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Vermillion, South Dakota. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, the airplane was on final for runway 30 at the Harold Davidson Field Airport, when the engine lost total power. The pilot said the airplane did not have enough altitude for him to correct for the sudden power loss, so he performed a forced landing to a flat, snow-covered field short of the runway. During the forced landing, the airplane nosed over and sustained damage to the left forward lift strut. During the recovery of the airplane, snow discoloration consistent with fuel staining was observed around the area of the fuel caps. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed fuel was present in the fuel lines, and no mechanical anomaly or failure was identified that would have precluded normal operation. Based on information obtained from a review of weather model data for the area, the weather reported near the accident site at the time of the accident included a temperature of -2.6°C and a dew point of -6.9°C. The calculated relative humidity at this temperature and dewpoint was 72.3%. Review of the icing probability chart contained within FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 revealed the atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of carburetor icing at glide and cruise power. The pilot stated that he used carburetor heat from power reduction on downwind but turned it off during the base leg. Carburetor icing most likely formed during final descent for landing. According to the carburetor probability icing chart, conditions for carburetor icing at glide power were present.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 CST
Nearest AirportHarold Davidson Field Airport (0nm)
Runway30
Runway Length4105 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18A 150
Tail NumberN2774P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 F / 21 F
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time11:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data