Cessna 182 N8523T accident near Zephyrhills, Florida

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to the formation of carburetor ice as a result of the pilot’s delayed application of carburetor heat.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, the airplane’s engine started to run rough. He applied carburetor heat, and the engine operation smoothed out. Less than a minute later, the roughness returned, and the engine lost all power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot attempted to land in a nearby field. The airplane collided with a fence during the descent and came to rest in a field with rough ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wing assemblies.

A postaccident examination and engine test run revealed no mechanical anomalies. Weather conditions near the accident site were conducive to carburetor icing at glide and cruise power settings. Although the pilot applied carburetor heat following the engine roughness, it is likely that the ice accumulated to the degree that the carburetor heat was insufficient to maintain full power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA315 for the full record.