ANNAPOLIS, MD, USA
N37095
Luscombe LL-8-A
The pilot was performing an aerial survey between 500 and 1,000 feet AGL. As he initiated a turn for the passenger to photograph seagrass, he noted a loss of altitude. He advanced the throttle to increase power, then noted that the engine had lost power. During a forced landing, the airplane struck trees in a wooded area and was damaged. Examination of the airplane revealed 6 to 7 gallons of fuel in the fuel tanks. No water or contamination was found in the fuel system. The temperature and dew point were 82 and 59 degrees, respectively. According to icing probability charts, conditions were conducive for carburetor ice. The carburetor heat control was found in the off position.
On June 11, 1997, at 1100 eastern daylight time, a Luscombe LL-8-A, N37095, was destroyed when it collided with trees during a forced landing near Annapolis, Maryland. The certificated private pilot was not injured while the passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The local flight had originated from Severn River, Maryland, at approximately 1030. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the pilot was performing an aerial survey between 500 and 1000 feet above the ground, when the engine lost power. The pilot reported that as he approached one of the creeks, he initiated a turn so that the passenger could take a picture of the seagrass, when the airplane started to lose altitude. He stated that his efforts to maintain altitude by adding full power was unsuccessful. Despite a full forward throttle setting, the airplane continued to lose altitude and power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a wooded area where the right wing struck a 20 foot tall tree. The airplane was examined at the accident site by the FAA Inspector. According to the Inspector's report, there was about 6 to 7 gallons of fuel in the fuel tanks, and no water or contamination was found in the fuel system. Examination of the wreckage did not disclose any evidence of mechanical malfunction with the airplane or engine, and the carburetor heat switch was in the off position. The reported temperature and dew point at the time of accident was 82 degrees Fahrenheit (F), and 59 degrees F respectively. According to carburetor icing charts, conditions were conducive for carburetor ice.
the pilot's failure to use carburetor heat, which resulted in accumulation of carburetor ice and subsequent loss of engine power. Related factors were: carburetor icing conditions, and trees in the emergency landing area.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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