Piper PA-22-150 N5939D accident near Cleveland, Georgia

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the total time idling on the ground before takeoff was about 10 to 12 minutes. During the initial climb, the engine lost power and the airplane began to settle. The pilot applied carburetor heat, switched the fuel selector from the right tank to the left tank and the engine surged, but then lost total power again. The airplane continued to settle until it impacted treetops, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

A postaccident examination and engine test run revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have prevented normal engine operation. Based on the temperature and dew point about the time of the accident, the conditions were favorable for carburetor icing at cruise and glide power settings. It is likely that carburetor ice formed during the time the airplane was idling on the ground before takeoff, resulting in the loss of engine power during the initial climb.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA088 for the full record.