On January 8, 2000, a Beech 23 (registration N2336Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Macon, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was conditions favorable for the formation of carburetor ice. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During climbout, an airplane's engine was heard sputtering before it struck 100-foot trees and impacted the ground. The wreckage caught fire seconds later. Examination found no mechanical failure, but weather conditions favored carburetor ice.
Incident Overview
During the climbout phase of flight, witnesses heard the engine sputtering. The aircraft then collided with 100-foot trees and subsequently struck the ground.
Eyewitness Accounts
Two young eyewitnesses near the accident site reported that approximately five seconds after the airplane collided with the ground, it burst into flames.
Wreckage Examination
A post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed that the accessory section of the engine assembly had melted and exhibited fire damage. The airframe and engine examinations failed to disclose any mechanical malfunction or component failure.
Weather Conditions
Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice.