No fatalities

Engine Power Loss Leads to Forced Landing in Corn Field

Washington, IA, United States

On August 16, 2009, a PIPER PA-28-161 operated by JARRARD EDWARD E was involved in an aviation accident near Washington, IA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing as a result of the pilot's failure to use carburetor heat in conditions that were conducive to carburetor icing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot returning to land experienced an engine power loss one mile from the airport, performed a forced landing in a corn field, and sustained a broken arm. Post-accident inspection found no mechanical failure.

Accident Overview

The pilot was returning to the airport for landing when the engine lost power at a distance of one mile from the airport. In response, the pilot executed a forced landing in a corn field. During the landing, the pilot suffered a broken arm.

Post-Accident Inspection

A post-accident inspection of the airframe and engine did not reveal any mechanical failure or malfunction that would have resulted in the loss of engine power.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported that he did not use carburetor heat during the descent back to the airport.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, the local temperature was 27 degrees Celsius and the dewpoint was 21 degrees Celsius. These conditions were conducive to visible icing at rated power.

Contributing factors

Effect on equipmentNot used/operatedPilot

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Aug 2009 PIPER PA-28-161 accident near Washington, IA?

A pilot returning to land experienced an engine power loss one mile from the airport, performed a forced landing in a corn field, and sustained a broken arm. Post-accident inspection found no mechanical failure.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Aug 2009 PIPER PA-28-161 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Aug 2009 involved a PIPER PA-28-161, operated by JARRARD EDWARD E, at Washington, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing as a result of the pilot's failure to use carburetor heat in conditions that were conducive to carburetor icing.