Aviat Aircraft A-1C-180 N18WY accident near Greensburg, Indiana

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land on the grass which contained standing water. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of power due to carburetor ice.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was practicing low approaches when he experienced a partial loss of engine power during climb out. He continued onto the downwind leg where he applied carburetor heat and determined the loss of power was a result of carburetor ice. The pilot shortened the downwind and base legs, and decided to land on the grass alongside the paved runway. He stated that the approach was high and fast and he was more comfortable landing on the grass as the airplane was equipped with tundra tires. The airplane nosed over during the landing when it contacted standing water on the grass. The right wing of the airplane was substantially damaged. A review of the FAA Carburetor Icing chart revealed the conditions were conducive to serious icing at descent power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA298 for the full record.