What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-07-25 involved an American AA-1, registration N5667L, at Guernsey, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate use of carburetor heat which resulted in the formation of carburetor ice and loss of engine power. Factors contributing to the accident were weather conditions conducive for carburetor icing, and a lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

Pilot Reports Engine Sputter, Forced Landing Results in Substantial Damage (N5667L)

On July 25, 2004, an American AA-1 (registration N5667L) was involved in an aviation accident near Guernsey, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate use of carburetor heat which resulted in the formation of carburetor ice and loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A pilot reported engine sputtering and inability to maintain altitude after departure, leading to a forced landing into a barbed wire fence and sage brush. Substantial damage occurred.

Incident Details

According to the pilot, shortly after departure and during climb, the engine began sputtering and the tachometer indicated 2,200 rpm. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and elected to land straight ahead, citing the terrain ahead as "flatter." During the forced landing, the airplane struck a barbed wire fence and sage brush, resulting in substantial damage.

Weather Conditions

The aviation routine weather report (METAR) for the area recorded a temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit and a dewpoint of 54 degrees Fahrenheit. The Carburetor Icing Chart indicates that these conditions are conducive for "serious icing at glide power."

Weight and Balance

The contents of the airplane were weighed to calculate weight and balance. The total weight of the airplane was calculated to be 1,580 pounds, and the center of gravity was calculated to be 3 inches aft of the most aft center of gravity limit.

2004-07-25: American AA-1 (N5667L) — Guernsey, WY

Incident Details

Weather Conditions

Weight and Balance

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