Piper PA28 N33859 accident near Union, South Carolina

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat in conditions conducive to the development of carburetor icing.

NTSB analysis

The noninstrument-rated pilot departed into instrument meteorological conditions and returned to the airport about 20 minutes later, communicating to a witness via radio that he could not see the ground. The witness attempted to guide the pilot back to the airport; however, the pilot stated he was having “engine trouble” and the airplane impacted trees in the vicinity of the airport. A postimpact fire ensued, which consumed most of the fuselage.

The propeller did not exhibit any rotational scoring and the carburetor air box was consumed by fire. There were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the temperature and dew point about the time of the accident, the conditions were favorable for serious carburetor icing at a cruise power setting.

It is likely that the engine lost power as a result of carburetor icing, and since the pilot reported to the local mechanic that he never used carburetor heat, the carburetor icing likely continued to accumulate until the engine lost total power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20LA335 for the full record.