Summary
On May 08, 1993, a Fairchild 24G (N16897) was involved in an incident near Athens, TN. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO USE CARBURETOR HEAT IN WEATHER CONDITIONS WHICH WERE CONDUCIVE TO THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE.
On May 8, 1993, at 1515 eastern daylight time, a Fairchild 24G, N16897, collided with the ground while attempting a forced landing in a field near Athens, Tennessee. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the pilot was not injured. The flight departed Athens at 1510 hours.
According to the pilot, the flight had been delayed because of rain showers in the immediate area and he taxied for several minutes before attempting a takeoff. Prior to the attempted takeoff, the pilot completed a runup. After climbing to 250 feet, the pilot reported a loss of engine power.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ATL93LA089. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N16897.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO USE CARBURETOR HEAT IN WEATHER CONDITIONS WHICH WERE CONDUCIVE TO THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On May 8, 1993, at 1515 eastern daylight time, a Fairchild 24G, N16897, collided with the ground while attempting a forced landing in a field near Athens, Tennessee. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the pilot was not injured. The flight departed Athens at 1510 hours.
According to the pilot, the flight had been delayed because of rain showers in the immediate area and he taxied for several minutes before attempting a takeoff. Prior to the attempted takeoff, the pilot completed a runup. After climbing to 250 feet, the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The pilot managed to restart the engine for a few seconds but the engine quit again. The pilot started a left turn towards the airport, but collided with the ground about 300 yards short of the runway.
An examination of the engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction or a component failure. A review of the weather information disclosed that weather conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice. (see attached icing probability curves) The pilot did not report receiving a weather briefing. During a subsequent telephone conversation with the pilot, he stated that normal takeoff and climb procedures were followed.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL93LA089