On May 22, 1989, a Grumman G-164A (registration N8881H) was involved in an aviation accident near Loxley, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE, AND THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft collided with a tree after a pull-up maneuver at the end of a spraying field. The pilot reported engine sputter and conditions indicative of carburetor ice.
Accident Overview
An aircraft was engaged in spraying a field when, after completing a pass, the pilot initiated a pull-up maneuver. At the end of this maneuver, the aircraft collided with a tree.
Pilot Accounts
In his first report, the pilot indicated that he had fallen behind the power curve and had stabilized the aircraft without any power anomalies. In a subsequent report, he described the engine as having sputtered and gave the impression that it was not producing full power.
Environmental Conditions
The pilot further noted that the environmental conditions at the time were similar to those conducive to carburetor ice formation. The dew point was not recorded.