Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CHI99LA067

BOLIVAR, MO, USA

Aircraft #1

N793DB

Baker FISHER HORIZON

Analysis

The pilot reported that after about 20 to 30 minutes of flying the engine began to lose power. He checked the magnetos, added carburetor heat, and changed throttle settings, but it did not restore engine power. The pilot said that he executed a forced landing into a field but it was too short and the airplane struck a fence. The pilot reported that he thought the 'engine problem was caused by carburetor ice. Flying at 1,000 feet there was not enough time for the carburetor heat to clear the ice.' The temperature was 44 degrees Fahrenheit and the dew point was 34 degrees Fahrenheit. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, the conditions were conducive for carburetor icing.

Factual Information

On January 16, 1999, at 1050 central daylight time, an experimental Baker Fisher Horizon One, N793DB, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing when it hit a fence during landing roll. The pilot reported a loss of engine power. The private pilot received minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Bolivar Airport, Bolivar, Missouri, on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that after about 20 to 30 minutes of flying the engine began to lose power. He checked the magnetos, added carburetor heat, and changed throttle settings, but it did not restore engine power. The pilot reported he executed a forced landing into a field but it was too short and the airplane struck a fence. The pilot reported that he thought the "engine problem was caused by carb ice. Flying at 1,000 feet there was not enough time for the carb heat to clear the ice." The temperature was 44 degrees Fahrenheit and the dew point was 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper use of carburetor heat which resulted in carburetor icing and subsequent loss of engine power.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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