Cessna 305A N1831 accident near Houston, Missouri

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during initial climb due to carburetor icing, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with trees and terrain.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot was practicing full-stop takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern. During the fourth takeoff, about 500 to 600 ft above the ground, the airplane's engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing and the airplane impacted trees and terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

Postaccident examination, which included three engine test runs, failed to duplicate the power loss. Examination of the carburetor revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Atmospheric conditions about the time of the accident were conducive to the development of serious carburetor icing at glide power. Given the absence of mechanical anomalies, it is likely that the loss of engine power was the result of carburetor ice accumulation while the engine was being operated at reduced power settings during the previous landings and ground operations.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19LA229 for the full record.