Piper PA28 N656ST accident near Beverly, Massachusetts

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing, and the student pilot’s failure to utilize carburetor heat in conditions conducive to carburetor icing.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot performed a power-off approach and touch-and-go landing, and during the initial climb, the engine lost partial power. He made a left turn to land on another runway at the airport; however, the airplane did not touch down until it was about ¾ down the runway. The airplane continued off the runway and came to rest in trees past the airport perimeter fence, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, horizontal stabilizer, and engine mounts.

An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical anomalies. The airplane was equipped with a carburetor ice detection system and both the control box and carburetor heat control lever were found in the off position. The pilot did not report using the carburetor heat during the flight. The atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious icing at cruise power. Since no anomalies were noted during the engine examination, it is likely that the loss of engine power was a result of carburetor icing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20LA126 for the full record.