Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to select carburetor heat and his failure to maintain airspeed resulting in a stall. Factors were unstabilized approach the aircraft's low altitude, and the weather conditions conducive to carburetor icing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 25, 2004, about 1700 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182A, N3708D, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Noblesville Airport (I80), Noblesville, Indiana. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The pilot and two passengers reported minor injuries. A third passenger reported no injuries. The flight departed Lenawee County Airport (ADG), Adrian, Michigan, at 1600, with an intended destination of Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport (UMP), Indianapolis, Indiana.
In his written statement, the pilot reported that he began a gradual descent from a cruising altitude of 6,500 feet mean sea level (msl) as the flight neared its intended destination. He stated that after several minutes, the engine began to hesitate. He initially thought that he may have miscalculated the fuel required for the flight since "fuel was low due to managing weight/balance issues."
The aircraft was over I80 at the time. He elected to descend for a precautionary landing on runway 9 at I80. He stated that he "came in too fast and pulled up to execute a go-around." As he turned downwind the engine lost power. He stated: "The stall horn was sounding so I tried to level [the] wings as we attempted landing in a bean field." During the forced landing, the nose gear separated and the aircraft nosed over.
After the accident, the pilot stated that he did not apply carburetor heat. He noted that he did not think that it was cold enough for carburetor ice to form.
A post-accident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies. Fuel was present and appeared uncontaminated. Engine control continuity was verified.
The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS), located 23 miles southwest of I80, recorded at 1655, a temperature and dew point of 19 degrees and 13 degrees Celsius, respectively. According to data obtained from Transport Canada, the possibility of moderate icing at cruise power and severe icing at descent power exists under those conditions.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI04CA194