What happened
On November 11, 2016, a Cessna 182P, registration PT-IBL, departed from the Aeroclube de Santa Catarina (SSKT) in Florianópolis for a skydiving mission. The flight carried one pilot and four passengers. After completing the parachute deployments at 10,000 feet, the aircraft began its descent. While passing through 3,000 feet, the pilot identified a loss of engine power and performed an emergency landing near Santo Amaro da Imperatriz, SC. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the engine through the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA). The technical analysis of the engine, magnetos, spark plugs, carburetor, and lubrication system revealed no mechanical abnormalities or obstructions. However, the DCTA report suggested that carburetor icing could have caused the power loss if hot air-flow was interrupted.
Meteorological data from the nearby Hercílio Luz Aerodrome indicated that at both the deployment altitude (10,000 feet) and the altitude of the incident (3,000 feet), the atmospheric temperature and dew point were such that there was a high probability of serious carburetor icing during descent. The investigation noted that the pilot had been operating the carburetor heat lever in an open position but closed it as a routine procedure upon crossing 3,000 feet.
Findings
- The pilot was properly licensed and experienced for the flight type.
- The aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and had up-to-date maintenance records.
- The primary cause of the engine power loss was identified as carburetor icing.
- The pilot's routine practice of closing the carburetor heat lever without evaluating current atmospheric conditions likely contributed to the icing event.