On June 22, 1989, a Cessna 140 (registration N1875V) operated by Charles G. Thacker was involved in an aviation accident near Conyers, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: CARBURETOR ICE AND THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT. CARBURETOR ICING CONDITION WAS A RELATED FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced an engine power loss while circling at low altitude, leading to a forced landing in a residential yard where the aircraft struck a tree. Conditions were conducive to carburetor icing.
Accident
A pilot flying approximately ten miles from the departure airport circled his son's office at about 400 feet above ground level (AGL) with the engine at approximately 2300 RPM. The engine subsequently lost power, and the pilot executed a forced landing in a residential yard. During the landing, the aircraft struck a tree and crashed. The ambient temperature and dew point were about 75°F and 66°F, respectively.
Investigation
According to carburetor icing charts, the atmospheric conditions were conducive to carburetor icing. The pilot reported that he had checked the carburetor heat during the pre-takeoff runup but did not use it during flight.