Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat while flying in carburetor icing conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot sustained serious head injuries in the accident and has no recollection of the events surrounding the accident. An inspection of the airplane disclosed no mechanical preimpact anomalies. Fuel was present in the fuel tanks, lines and carburetor. Temperature and dew point recorded at a nearby airport were 54 and 46 degrees, which equates to a 'serious' icing probability on a carburetor icing probability chart. The carburetor heat selector in the cockpit was found positioned 'off'.
Source record
Factual narrative
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