Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat, which resulted in fuel starvation during the initial climb, a loss of engine power, and impact with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings on a private grass airstrip when he experienced a loss of engine power during initial climb. The airplane then descended and impacted terrain near the departure end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation. Serious carburetor icing conditions at glide power were present at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that he did not use carburetor heat during the flight. Carburetor icing most likely formed during the preceding descent for landing and remained for the accident takeoff.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 14, 2024, at 1900 central daylight time, a Jacobson SE5A airplane, N124BM, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Luther, Oklahoma. The private pilot was uninjured. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings on a private grass airstrip when he experienced a loss of engine power during initial climb. The airplane then descended and impacted terrain near the departure end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation. After the examination, the pilot stated that the loss of engine power was probably due to carburetor ice. He stated that he did not apply carburetor heat during the flight. According to the carburetor probability icing chart, conditions for serious carburetor icing at glide power were present.