Socata TB9 N2824R accident near Fort Meade, Maryland

Probable cause

The failure of the carburetor intake scat tubing, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor and student pilot were on the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern when the engine began to lose power. The flight instructor took control and maneuvered the airplane toward the runway, and the airplane descended into trees, resulting in substantial damage to both wings.

Examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. An examination of the airframe components revealed that the carburetor air intake scat tubing was crushed on the airframe side of the hose. The airframe scat tubing fiberglass connection side was also found crushed. Examination of the tubing found that the interior of the scat tubing had collapsed. It is likely that the collapsed scat tubing restricted the air entering the carburetor, resulting in the partial loss of engine power. No debris was found within the carburetor.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19LA274 for the full record.