On May 13, 1984, a Cessna 170 (registration N2539V) was involved in an aviation accident near Victoria, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to prevent carburetor ice, which resulted in an engine failure during the approach phase. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced engine failure during final approach due to suspected carburetor ice, resulting in a landing short of the runway.
What happened
The pilot reported that while conducting a long final approach, power was reduced to manage the descent. Shortly after reducing power, the throttle was applied again, but the engine failed to respond. The aircraft subsequently landed approximately 100 yards short of Runway 17.
The investigation
Post-accident analysis focused on the mechanical response of the engine during the critical phase of flight. The lack of power application despite throttle input indicated a significant interruption in engine operation.
Findings
The pilot attributed the lack of engine response to carburetor ice, which likely restricted fuel flow and caused the engine to fail during the transition from descent to landing configuration.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to prevent carburetor ice, which resulted in an engine failure during the approach phase.