Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot and passenger reported that the engine lost power shortly after takeoff. During the forced landing to a field, the landing gear hit a berm, and the airplane nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing, fuselage, and empennage. An examination of the airframe, engine, and related systems revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were favorable for the formation of serious carburetor icing at cruise power. It is likely that carburetor ice accumulated during the taxi, which resulted in the loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA136 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 9, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Houston, Texas
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built CAPELLA XS
- N-number
- N239PM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2011
- 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.