Probable cause
A total loss of engine power as a result of carburetor icing.
NTSB analysis
About 25 minutes after takeoff, while in cruise flight at 1,600 ft mean sea level, the pilot noted an audible rpm reduction followed by a vibration and a loss of power. During the emergency descent, he “cycled the carb heat,” verified the mixture control was set to rich and that the fuel selector was in the ON position, and attempted to restart the engine. Unable to restart the engine, he performed a forced landing to a heavily wooded area, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage.
A postaccident examination of the wreckage and an 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 glide and cruise power settings. It is likely that, during the flight, carburetor ice formed, subsequently resulting in the loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA291 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 13, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brooksville, Florida
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A150K
- N-number
- N8412M
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.