Casualties unknown

Pilot forced landing into trees due to carburetor icing and low ceilings (N5537U)

Corinth, MS, US

On October 29, 1982, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N5537U) operated by Miles N. Wilson was involved in an aviation accident near Corinth, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to prevent carburetor icing, which resulted 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 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

During a VMC cross-country flight, the pilot encountered low ceilings and rain, causing the engine to run rough and lose power. A forced landing was executed into trees where serious carburetor icing conditions were prevalent.

What happened

The incident occurred during a visual meteorological conditions (VMC) cross-country flight. While en route, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions characterized by low ceilings and rain. At this time, the aircraft engine began to run rough and experienced a loss of power.

In response to the mechanical failure, the pilot executed a forced landing into trees.

The investigation

An investigation was conducted to determine the cause of the engine malfunction and the subsequent accident. The examination revealed that serious carburetor icing conditions were prevalent in the flight area at the time of the incident.

Findings

The primary factors contributing to this accident included:

  • Carburetor icing
  • Low ceilings and rain
  • Forced landing into trees

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to prevent carburetor icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Oct 1982 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Corinth, MS?

During a VMC cross-country flight, the pilot encountered low ceilings and rain, causing the engine to run rough and lose power. A forced landing was executed into trees where serious carburetor icing conditions were prevalent.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Oct 1982 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N5537U, operated by Miles N. Wilson, at Corinth, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to prevent carburetor icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04354. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.