Cessna 150 N45586 accident near Everett, Washington

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing during final approach, which resulted in a hard landing short of the runway and the nose landing gear collapsing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during final approach, the engine sputtered and then lost all power. The airplane landed short of the runway on the threshold, and the nose landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine truss and mount.

Postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. A photograph provided by the inspector showed no damage to the propeller, which is consistent with the engine not producing power at the time of impact. The inspector reported that fuel was present in the tanks, that the gascolator screen was found clear of debris, and that he suspected carburetor ice was responsible for the loss of engine power.

The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 310° at 7 knots, the temperature was 72°F, and the dew point was 48°F. The atmospheric conditions were favorable for serious carburetor icing at descent power setting.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA519 for the full record.