On December 9, 1991, a Cessna 177 (registration N2961X) operated by Frank G. Fisher was involved in an aviation accident near Elkhart, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO USE CARBURETOR HEAT. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported an engine partial power loss shortly after liftoff. After landing, the airplane overran the runway and struck trees. Post-accident engine examination revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, the engine lost partial power shortly after liftoff while the airplane was still over the runway. The pilot subsequently landed on the runway but was unable to stop before overrunning the end and striking trees.
Environmental Conditions
At the time of the event, the temperature and dew point reported at South Bend, Indiana, were 39 degrees and 33 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. According to icing probability charts, these temperatures are conducive to the formation of carburetor ice.
Post-Accident Examination
The engine was examined after the accident and was successfully run with no mechanical anomalies noted.