Piper PA32-260 N801VC

Summary

On 13 December 2007 at about 13:30 local time, a Piper PA32-260 registered N801VC was involved in an accident near Marathon, Florida, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

13 December 2007 at 13:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Marathon, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

The Florida Keys Marathon Airp (MTH)

Coordinates

24.7833, -81.1378

Aircraft

Piper PA32-260

Registration

N801VC

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Marathon → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA08LA029

2 people had minor injuries.

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

While returning to the airport following practice maneuvers, at a cruise altitude of about 1,000 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot announced the loss of engine power over the Unicom radio frequency and successfully ditched the airplane shortly afterwards. Examination of the airplane revealed that the carburetor heat control cable was not connected. The examination did not reveal any evidence that the pilot applied carburetor heat prior to the loss of engine power, nor did the pilot's or passenger's written statements reference its use. About the time of the accident, the temperature was recorded as 75 degrees Fahrenheit (F), and the dew point as 72 degrees F. This combination of temperature and dew point created the possibility for carburetor icing, but given the flight profile at the time it was not likely associated with the loss of engine power. Other than the disconnected carburetor heat cable, no other airworthiness issues that could be associated with the accident were identified.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.