Cessna 150 N10495 accident near Lanai City, Hawaii

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to the formation of carburetor ice as a result of the pilot’s improper use of carburetor heat.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, after climbing to about 800 ft above ground level (agl), the engine suddenly stopped producing power. The pilot reported applying full carburetor heat and partial power was restored. The pilot then removed carburetor heat; again, the engine stopped producing power. The pilot applied full carburetor heat, and the engine regained partial power, but not enough to maintain altitude. The pilot made an emergency landing on a dirt road about three miles north of the airfield. During landing the left wing impacted brush and terrain along the road resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.

A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to carburetor icing at cruise power and serious carburetor icing at glide power. Although the pilot reported that he used the carburetor heat, it is likely that ice had already accumulated to the degree that the carburetor heat was insufficient to melt the ice and restore full engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA005 for the full record.