Cessna 140 accident near Fryeburg, Maine, February 16, 2003

The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record

During an instructional flight, about 2,500 feet msl, the CFI applied carburetor heat and set the engine power to idle for a simulated engine failure. The private pilot completed the emergency checklist items, and positioned the airplane for a simulated forced landing to a field. During the descent, the carburetor heat remained on, and the CFI occasionally cycled the throttle to clear the engine. About 15-20 feet above the field, the pilot attempted to add power for a go-around, but the engine did not respond. The CFI then took control of the airplane, and performed a forced landing to the field. A certificated mechanic examined the wreckage after the accident. The mechanic was able to rotate the propeller by hand, and did not note any discrepancies with the engine. He also observed adequate fuel in the airplane. The mechanic further stated that he believed the power loss occurred due to carburetor ice. On the make and model accident engine, the carburetor was situated below the engine, and more susceptible to carburetor ice. In addition, the carburetor heat relied on two cylinders, rather than all four. The mechanic was confident that carburetor ice caused the power loss, and did not attempt to disassemble the carburetor to look for ice. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector stated that she did not examine the wreckage, but the certificated mechanic had determined the power loss was due to carburetor ice.

The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.