Amateur-built STOL CH750 N750RS accident near Rockwell, North Carolina

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. Also causal was the pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat at any time during the flight.

NTSB analysis

About 30 minutes into the flight the engine “burped” then progressively lost power. The pilot switched fuel tanks but described no other remedial actions before the engine lost all power. The pilot selected an open field adjacent to a roadway for a forced landing where the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, sustaining substantial damage.

Atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to carburetor icing, and the airplane was fueled with automotive gasoline, which increased its likelihood. After the accident, a fuel can of aviation gasoline was plumbed into the fuel supply line at the left-wing root, and an engine start was attempted. The engine started immediately, accelerated smoothly, and ran continuously without interruption through several power changes. Both a magneto and carburetor heat check were performed satisfactorily.

The pilot reported that he did not apply carburetor heat during the accident flight.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA298 for the full record.