2 fatalities

25 Oct 2012: PIPER PA-28-140 (N55620) — Maryland Heights, MO

Maryland Heights, MO, United States

On 25 Oct 2012, a PIPER PA-28-140 (registration N55620) was involved in an aviation accident near Maryland Heights, MO. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to activate the carburetor heat while flying in conditions that encouraged carburetor icing, leading to a loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A private flight ended in a fatal crash into a Missouri lake after the engine lost power during a night descent.

On October 24, 2012, a Piper PA-28-140, registration N55620, crashed into Creve Coeur Lake near Maryland Heights, Missouri. The flight, which originated in Delaware, Ohio, was en route to Creve Coeur Airport (K1H0). The pilot and a passenger sustained 2 fatal injuries.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to activate the carburetor heat while flying in conditions that encouraged carburetor icing, leading to a loss of engine power.

Contributing factors

Effect on equipment