World Aircraft Co WA-3 N71SN accident near Shreveport, Louisiana

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB analysis

When the experimental airplane was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, abeam the numbers, the engine started to run rough and vibrate. The pilot added power and the engine smoothed out. The pilot ensured the backup electric fuel pump was in the “on” position and turned the airplane to land on the runway. While on short final, the pilot reduced power and received a low rpm warning from his avionics. When he increased the throttle, the engine stopped producing power. A high sink rate developed, and the airplane landed hard on the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the empennage.

Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

The airplane was operating in an area conducive to the formation of serious carburetor icing at glide power settings. The airplane was fueled with 93-octane automotive fuel which could make carburetor icing more likely. The airplane was not equipped with a carburetor temperature gauge or a carburetor heat control, nor were they required.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA087 for the full record.