Probable cause
The accumulation of carburetor ice while operating at a reduced engine power setting, which resulted in a total loss of engine power on approach and a subsequent forced landing on unsuitable terrain.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot reported that, while approaching the destination airport, the engine lost total power. The pilot performed a forced landing, and the airplane impacted a cornfield.
A postaccident examination of the wreckage, including the fuel system, revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The engine was started, and it operated normally. Atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the accumulation of moderate icing at cruise power and serious icing at descent power. The total loss of engine power was likely due to an accumulation of carburetor ice while operating at a reduced engine power setting.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA376 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 27, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Piqua, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Piqua Airport- Hartzell Field (I17)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182M
- N-number
- N70634
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1968
- 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.