Probable cause
The partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot was taking off for a personal local flight. The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff and as the airplane reached about 700 ft above ground level, the engine began to gradually lose power. He attempted to return to the departure airport, but the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. He subsequently chose to perform an off-airport landing, during which the airplane struck trees.
Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no preimpact anomalies. A subsequent test run was performed, and no operational defects were noted. The weather conditions were conducive for moderate icing at cruise power and serious icing at descent power, and the pilot's description of a gradual and continual loss of engine power is consistent with the effects of carburetor icing. Therefore, it is likely that the engine lost power due to carburetor icing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA025 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 30, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sheridan, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Sheridan Muni (9M8)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7ECA
- N-number
- N9105L
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1970
- 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.