Cessna 182B N2728B accident near Hawi, Hawaii

Probable cause

The airplane’s loss of engine power due to carburetor ice that formed during a long descent, contributing to the outcome is the pilot’s delayed use of carburetor heat.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, after dropping skydivers, he began a spiraling descent from 8,500 ft mean sea level (msl) to return to the Upolo Airport (PHUP) in Hawi, Hawaii. As the airplane descended to an altitude of about 300 ft agl (Above Ground Level), the pilot increased the throttle, but the engine did not respond. He completed steps to troubleshoot the loss of power, but power was not established. The pilot made a forced landing in a field about a mile west of the airport; the airplane encountered uneven terrain, the nose gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and engine compartment.

Postaccident examination of the engine and fuel system revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Fuel was found in the fuel tanks and carburetor.

The weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of serious carburetor icing at glide (idle) engine power. Although the pilot reported that he used carburetor heat, it is likely that the ice had already accumulated to the degree that the carburetor heat was insufficient to melt the ice and restore full engine power.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the airplane’s engine is highly susceptible to ice formation during a descent and the use of carburetor heat is recommended.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC24LA084 for the full record.