ANC20CA016

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that while performing a straight-in visual approach, he applied partial carburetor heat, and retarded the throttle for the descent. The airplane became low on the approach profile and the pilot increased the throttle and the engine subsequently "coughed" and then lost all power. He attempted to make a forced landing on a road, but the left wing struck a tree branch and the airplane subsequently impacted a snowbank and then the road. The wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He confirmed that the fuel tanks had sufficient fuel for the flight. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented had he applied full carburetor heat. The exact probability of carburetor icing was not able to be calculated for the accident site due to the closest weather observation station being 9 miles away. The relative humidity level at that weather station was 87% at an ambient temperature of 12°F at the time of the accident. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine fuel and control-Fuel control/carburetor-Incorrect use/operation - C
• C Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Temp/humidity/pressure-Conducive to carburetor icing-Effect on equipment - C