Amateur-built YOUNGSTER N258RV accident near Grand Haven, Michigan

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he performed several fast taxi operations and did not note any problems with the engine. The taxi, pretakeoff run-up, and takeoff for the initial test flight in the amateur-built airplane were normal, but the engine gradually lost power after takeoff. The engine continued to lose power, and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. During an attempted off-airport landing, the airplane impacted trees and terrain. The recorded temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were conducive to the accumulation of moderate carburetor icing at cruise power and serious icing at descent power. The pilot reported that he did not attempt to use carburetor heat during the flight because he had been taught that using carburetor heat reduces engine power. It is likely that the carburetor accumulated ice during the prolonged taxi operations before the takeoff. After the airplane became airborne, the carburetor ice continued accumulating and the engine continued to lose power to the point where continued flight was not possible.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA383 for the full record.