Piper PA-18A 150 N2774P accident near Vermillion, South Dakota

Probable cause

The pilot’s encounter with carburetor icing during landing final approach which resulted in fuel starvation, a total loss of engine power, and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, the airplane was on final approach for landing at the destination airport when the engine lost total power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a flat snow-covered field short of the runway. During the forced landing, the airplane nosed over and sustained damage to the left forward lift strut. During the recovery of the airplane, snow discoloration consistent with fuel staining was observed around the area of the fuel caps.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed fuel was present in the fuel lines, and no mechanical anomaly or failure was identified that would have precluded normal operation. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of carburetor icing at glide power. Although the pilot stated that he used carburetor heat from power reduction on downwind, he turned it off during the base leg. Thus, carburetor icing likely formed during final descent for landing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA076 for the full record.