Piper PA22 N6849B

Summary

On 9 August 2020 at about 19:30 local time, a Piper PA22 registered N6849B was involved in an accident near Burlington, Wisconsin, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, one 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

9 August 2020 at 19:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Burlington, Wisconsin, United States

Coordinates

42.6803, -88.3022

Aircraft

Piper PA22

Registration

N6849B

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Burlington → Burlington

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN20LA329

1 person was seriously injured.

A partial loss of engine power due to the formation of carburetor ice while on the ground, which resulted in reduced climb capability and impact with trees during the initial climb.  

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the engine was not developing the expected rpm during the takeoff and initial climb. He noticed the airplane was not climbing well and could have trouble clearing small trees near the end of the runway. The pilot maneuvered the airplane through a low spot in the trees after he realized he did not have sufficient runway remaining to land. The pilot attempted to gain altitude and airspeed but only gained minimal altitude. The pilot considered applying carburetor heat but realized it would guarantee a loss of engine power with another line of trees ahead of the airplane. The pilot cleared the line of trees, but then impacted the next line of trees. The airplane nosed down, impacted the terrain, and came to rest inverted in a residential yard. The pilot speculated the reduced engine power was due to carburetor ice. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations. Weather conditions reported at the time of the accident were conducive for carburetor icing at glide and cruise power. The pilot reported that during the takeoff and initial climb, the carburetor heat was off. Therefore, it is likely that carburetor ice accumulated during taxi and run-up before the takeoff, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and reduced takeoff performance.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.