Accident Overview
On August 6, 2016, at approximately 1515 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 180E airplane, registration N2601Y, impacted a building near Cardington, Ohio. The commercial-rated pilot sustained minor injuries, and the airplane was destroyed. The flight was operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Flight Narrative
The pilot reported that he intended to land on a small private grass runway measuring 1,950 feet by 40 feet. Initially planning to land to the east, he noticed people on the ground and decided to maneuver for landing on runway 24. During the landing approach, the airplane touched down with flaps fully extended. The airplane floated and then drifted to the right, prompting the pilot to execute a go-around. He advanced the throttle to full forward and noted that the engine felt "anemic," though engine gauges appeared normal. At the end of the runway, he rotated for takeoff, and the airplane began a slow climb. The pilot's next recollection was seeing a building in his windscreen.
The airplane struck a small pole-barn just past the end of the runway. After the impact, the pilot managed to exit the airplane before a post-crash fire engulfed it.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector who responded to the scene noted that the airplane was destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire. The inspector also observed that the airplane had recent engine work. The pilot, who was also an aircraft mechanic, reported that the engine had accumulated about 2 hours of operation since a top overhaul. A visual inspection of the engine revealed no obvious discrepancies; however, fire and thermal damage prevented a detailed examination.
The carburetor icing probability chart included in Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin No. CE-09-35, Carburetor Icing Prevention, indicated that at the time of the accident, the airplane was operating in conditions associated with a serious risk of carburetor ice formation at glide power settings.