Piper PA-25-235 N8843L accident near Carrington, North Dakota

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power as a result of carburetor ice that formed while the engine was operating at a low power setting for an extended period of time before departure.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that after engine start, taxi, and run-up, he remained on the ground about 10 minutes at idle power waiting for a rise in oil temperature and reduction in oil pressure since it was the first flight of the day, and the engine was cold. Shortly after departure while turning onto the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine lost power and the pilot executed a forced landing to a gravel road. During landing, the airplane impacted a drainage ditch, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings.

A review of meteorological information revealed that the airplane was operating in an environment conducive to serious carburetor icing at a glide power setting.

During a postaccident examination, no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were discovered that would have precluded normal operation.

With no anomalies noted from the postaccident examination and the weather conditions present at the time of the accident, it is likely that carburetor ice formed during the extended ground run at idle power while the pilot waited for the oil temperature to rise.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA233 for the full record.