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Engine Power Loss Due to Worn Sleet Duct Forces Landing, Leading to Collision with Power Lines (N7674R)

West Yarmouth, MA, US

On September 11, 1982, a Beech B23 (registration N7674R) operated by John L. Trotto was involved in an aviation accident near West Yarmouth, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the sleet duct between the carburetor and carburetor airbox, which would collapse at engine speeds above 1200 to 1500 RPM, resulting in a loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced engine power loss at about 1000 ft AGL after takeoff due to a worn sleet duct. The pilot made a forced landing along the shoreline, during which the aircraft hit power lines and then stalled while avoiding a house, ending up in a marsh.

Engine Failure

Approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, while adding power to climb at about 1,000 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot was unable to restart the engine and decided to land along the shoreline.

Forced Landing and Collision

During the approach for the forced landing, the aircraft collided with power lines. Subsequently, the pilot stalled the airplane while maneuvering to avoid a house. The aircraft then dropped into a marsh and slid approximately 100 feet before coming to a stop.

Post-Accident Examination

An operational check of the engine revealed that the sleet duct between the carburetor and the carburetor airbox was worn. The duct would collapse at engine speeds above 1,200 to 1,500 RPM, causing the engine to quit.

Probable cause

Failure of the sleet duct between the carburetor and carburetor airbox, which would collapse at engine speeds above 1200 to 1500 RPM, resulting in a loss of engine power.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Sept 1982 Beech B23 accident near West Yarmouth, MA?

An aircraft experienced engine power loss at about 1000 ft AGL after takeoff due to a worn sleet duct. The pilot made a forced landing along the shoreline, during which the aircraft hit power lines and then stalled while avoiding a house, ending up in a marsh.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Sept 1982 involved a Beech B23, registration N7674R, operated by John L. Trotto, at West Yarmouth, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the sleet duct between the carburetor and carburetor airbox, which would collapse at engine speeds above 1200 to 1500 RPM, resulting in a loss of engine power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X05034. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.