Weatherly Aviation Co Inc 620B N2008S accident near Holcomb, Kansas

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat while operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power shortly after takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane's engine lost power after takeoff. He noted that the engine rpm during the takeoff was about 30 rpm lower than he was accustomed to but still within the normal operating range. After gaining about 50 feet of altitude, the airplane lost power and the pilot attempted to drop the chemical load to remain airborne. The airplane impacted an open field about one mile from the airstrip. Subsequent examinations of the airplane engine and systems did not reveal any anomalies that would explain the loss of engine power. The temperature and dew point were within the range of susceptibility for carburetor icing at glide and cruise power, and within the range of susceptibility for serious icing at glide power. The pilot did not mention using carburetor heat during the pre-takeoff run-up or during the power loss event. Based on the available information it is likely that the airplane's engine lost power due to carburetor icing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA514 for the full record.