On January 7, 1988, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N14BK) operated by Mario W. Overhoff was involved in an aviation accident near Rock Camp, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to apply carburetor heat during cruise flight, which resulted in an engine stoppage that he was unable to restart. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise in instrument conditions, the pilot lost engine power after applying carburetor heat. Unable to restart, he attempted a forced landing but struck a tree before reaching the field.
What happened
The aircraft was operating under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) during cruise flight when the engine unexpectedly stopped. The pilot had applied carburetor heat at that moment to check for carb ice. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot then descended into visual meteorological conditions (VMC) and initiated a forced landing procedure in an open field. While approaching the site, the aircraft struck a tree short of the intended landing area. Loss of control followed, resulting in a hard landing in the open field.
The investigation
A mechanical examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine the cause of the engine stoppage. The inspection did not disclose any evidence of a pre-existing malfunction or defect within the aircraft systems.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to apply carburetor heat during cruise flight, which resulted in an engine stoppage that he was unable to restart.
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