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NTSB Attributes Colorado Tecnam Crash to Carburetor Icing

October 15, 2025By ePlane AI
NTSB Attributes Colorado Tecnam Crash to Carburetor Icing
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NTSB
Tecnam P2006T
Carburetor Icing

NTSB Attributes Colorado Tecnam Crash to Carburetor Icing

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded its investigation into the June 16, 2024, crash involving a Tecnam P2006T near Larkspur, Colorado. The accident, which resulted in serious injuries to both pilots and substantial damage to the aircraft, was attributed to carburetor icing—a preventable condition that has renewed focus on carburetor maintenance and flight operational procedures.

Sequence of Events

The incident occurred during a training flight involving two pilots: a 28-year-old multi-engine instructor (MEI) with 1,174 total flight hours, including 115 in the Tecnam P2006T, and a 23-year-old pilot with 1,084 hours but only two hours on type. The pair were conducting one-engine-inoperative procedures when the left engine was intentionally shut down. After two unsuccessful restart attempts, the engine was eventually restarted, and the aircraft began its return to Centennial Airport (APA) in Englewood.

As the aircraft descended near the airport, the pilots noticed an increasing need for right rudder input to maintain control. Shortly thereafter, the left engine’s rpm and temperature dropped, signaling a loss of power. With the left engine continuing to fail, the instructor diverted toward Perry Park Airport (CO93), located approximately four nautical miles away. When it became clear they could not reach the runway, the pilots attempted an emergency landing on southbound Interstate 25.

Witnesses recorded video footage showing the aircraft descending with the left propeller stopped and the right propeller still turning. The left wing struck a road sign before the plane veered to avoid vehicles and ultimately came to rest inverted in a marshy area east of the highway.

Investigation Findings

The NTSB’s investigation revealed that the carburetor heat levers were found in the OFF position, while the left propeller lever was retarded but not fully feathered. Functional testing of both Rotax 912S3 engines showed no evidence of preimpact mechanical failure. The board determined that weather conditions at the time were conducive to significant carburetor icing at glide power settings. The probable cause was identified as the flight instructor’s failure to apply carburetor heat, which led to a loss of power in the left engine due to carburetor icing.

The report underscored the critical importance of using carburetor heat, particularly during low-power operations, to prevent icing. It also noted that the aircraft flight manual advises against engine shutdowns during training unless mandated by regulation, and the manufacturer cautions that repeated in-flight engine shutdowns can cause long-term damage.

Broader Implications

This accident has prompted renewed discussion within the aviation community regarding carburetor maintenance and operational protocols. The NTSB’s findings may lead to heightened scrutiny of maintenance practices and could influence insurers to increase premiums for small aircraft operators due to perceived elevated risks. In response, industry stakeholders may accelerate the development and adoption of new technologies or procedures aimed at preventing carburetor icing, potentially fostering innovation in anti-icing systems.

The NTSB’s safety advisory, “Preventing Carburetor Icing (SA-029),” highlights that serious carburetor ice can form even at temperatures as high as 90°F and relative humidity as low as 35 percent. The Colorado crash serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for vigilance and strict adherence to established procedures, especially during training flights where operational risks are inherently greater.

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Electric Aircraft Market Outlook Through 2035

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Four Gateway Towns to Lake Clark National Park

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JetBlue Flight Makes Emergency Landing Following Engine Failure JetBlue flight B61058, operating from Oranjestad, Aruba, to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, was compelled to execute an emergency landing at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Sunday after experiencing an engine failure shortly after takeoff. The Airbus A321neo, carrying 180 passengers and six crew members, landed safely with no reported injuries. Incident Details and Response The aircraft, registered as N2086J, departed Queen Beatrix International Airport at approximately 1:59 PM AST. Within minutes of departure, the flight crew reported a “loud bang,” which was subsequently identified as a failure of the right-side engine. In response, the pilots declared an emergency by activating transponder code 7700 and entered a holding pattern to burn and dump fuel, thereby reducing the aircraft’s weight to facilitate a safe landing. For operational and safety reasons, the flight was diverted to Fort Lauderdale, a key JetBlue maintenance hub. Throughout the emergency, the crew maintained continuous communication with air traffic control. The aircraft touched down at 5:21 PM local time, where emergency services were prepared to assist. Passengers were promptly evacuated and supported, with JetBlue arranging alternative flights and rebookings to mitigate travel disruptions. Investigation and Industry Implications Following the landing, the aircraft was transferred to the airport’s maintenance area for a comprehensive inspection. JetBlue’s maintenance team, working alongside aviation authorities, has initiated a detailed investigation to ascertain the root cause of the engine failure, focusing on potential mechanical or technical faults. The incident is anticipated to attract regulatory scrutiny, potentially triggering formal investigations and sanctions. It may also lead to a reassessment of JetBlue’s safety protocols and could have financial repercussions, including insurance claims and impacts on the airline’s market valuation and passenger trust. Competitors within the industry are likely to emphasize their own safety measures and enhance public communications to reassure travelers about the reliability of air travel. More broadly, this event has renewed discussions regarding the dependability of modern aircraft engines and the critical importance of stringent maintenance practices across the aviation sector. As the investigation unfolds, both JetBlue and the wider airline industry may face increased demands for greater oversight and transparency in safety standards.
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58 Pilots Graduate from Ethiopian University

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