Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the pilot-in-command [cfi] to use carburetor heat during reduced power descent.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot-in-command [cfi] stated that he did not use carburetor heat during the descent and the engine lost power. He initiated a forced landing to a field and the airplane nosed over on landing roll. The FAA icing probability charts indicate that with the temperature and dewpoint on that day there was the probability of serious carburetor icing during glide power.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 27, 1995, about 0850 eastern daylight time, N25406, a Cessna 152 operated by Executive Flyers Inc. crashed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the instructor and student pilot reported no injuries. The flight had originated about 45 minutes earlier. The instructor stated that while in a descent with the throttle reduced the engine began to lose rpm. He stated he checked the magnetos but did not apply carburetor heat and the engine failed. During the subsequent forced landing the airplane nosed over on landing roll. A review of FAA icing probability charts revealed that at a temperature of 85 degrees F., and a dewpoint of 65 degrees F., serious icing can occur during glide power descents. Multiple attempts to obtain a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2 were made and the company did not respond to the requests. -