Piper PA-18-150 N2991Z accident near North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was towing a banner near the shoreline at an altitude of about 500 feet when the engine began to lose power. He applied carburetor heat; however, the engine continued to lose power and then stopped completely. The pilot was not able to restart the engine and performed a forced landing to the water. He exited the airplane before it sank to a depth of about 30 feet. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation; however, the engine exhibited significant damage consistent with saltwater corrosion, which precluded a check of the fuel and ignition systems. The airplane had been operated for about 50 hours since its most recent 100 hour inspection, which was performed about 9 days before the accident, and the engine had been operated for about 150 hours since it was overhauled about 1 month before the accident. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to carburetor icing at glide power and cruise power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12LA468 for the full record.