Stinson 108 N8019K accident near Dodge Center, Minnesota

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot reported that, about 30 minutes into the cross-country flight, while cruising at 1,000 ft above ground level, the engine began to lose power, decreasing from about 2,350 rpm to about 2,100 rpm. The pilot pulled the carburetor heat to the on position for a few seconds, then pushed it back in to turn it off. The pilot then diverted to a nearby airport; however, the engine continued to lose power and the pilot chose to land in a field next a road. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.

Examination of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical anomalies that could have resulted in the loss of engine power. Given the temperature and dew point in the area about the time of the accident, the airplane was operating in conditions conducive to the development of light carburetor icing at cruise or descent power. It is likely that the loss of engine power was the result of carburetor ice, and the pilot's brief application of carburetor heat was insufficient to clear the ice from the carburetor, which resulted in a further loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA287 for the full record.