Amateur-built ACRO SPORT N896JC accident near Madison, New Hampshire

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to carburetor icing as a result of the pilot's failure to apply carburetor heat

NTSB analysis

Approximately 50 minutes into the experimental amateur built airplane flight, the pilot began his descent from 1500 feet for landing when the engine lost partial power. He adjusted the throttle, mixture, and carburetor heat but the engine power setting went to idle and remained there. The pilot attempted to land in a field; however, the airplane’s altitude was insufficient to make the field and he landed into trees. The pilot noticed no discrepancies with the engine or engine controls prior to the partial loss of engine power. Federal Aviation Administration examination of the airplane and the engine found no evidence of any pre-accident anomalies that would have caused the partial loss of engine power. Review of the carburetor icing probability chart contained in FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) CE-09-35 revealed “serious icing” at glide power for the temperature and dew point recorded at the nearest official weather reporting facility about the time of the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA021 for the full record.