Piper PA-28-235 N15291 accident near Montevideo, Minnesota

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power on approach due to carburetor icing.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, while on final approach to the runway, the engine rpm began to run rough. The pilot applied carburetor heat, and the engine lost all power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful and prepared for a forced landing. The airplane touched down at the edge of a corn field and came to rest upright against a grass embankment. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. Following the accident, the pilot stated that the loss of engine power was likely the result of carburetor icing. According to the airplane handbook, during approach and landing, carburetor heat should be off unless icing conditions exist. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of serious icing at glide engine power settings.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA211 for the full record.