Cessna 172 N388TC accident near Chattanooga, Tennessee

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to of carburetor ice. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the right landing gear contacted an unseen object while landing on an unimproved surface, which resulted in the tundra tire losing air pressure. After aborting the landing, he flew to an airport where he declared an emergency and advised air traffic control that he intended to land in the grass adjacent to the runway. The pilot made two low passes over a grassy area and, during climb-out from the second low pass, the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing to uneven terrain outside the airport fence, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage.

A postaccident examination and engine test run did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive for serious icing at glide power. The pilot did not report using carburetor heat. It is likely that during multiple low passes prior to landing that carburetor ice accumulated, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA413 for the full record.