Probable cause
The pilot’s delayed use of carburetor heat while operating the airplane in atmospheric conditions conducive to carburetor icing, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing during a short final approach.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power when he applied carburetor heat during a 1-mile final approach to the destination airport. The pilot then performed a forced landing to a field. Although the pilot stated that the engine rpm decreased when he actuated the carburetor heat during the preflight run-up, postaccident examinations revealed no mechanical anomalies with the carburetor or its heat system that would have precluded normal operation. Atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the accumulation of carburetor icing at glide and cruise power. It is likely that the pilot's delayed use of carburetor heat resulted in a total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA134 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 26, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Milan, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Quad City International Airpor (MLI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172K
- N-number
- N4VN
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.