NTSB Factual Report

On July 29, 2005, about 1602 Pacific daylight time, a Scandinavian Aero Industry, KZ VII, N159KZ, lost all engine power on final approach to runway 23 at the Elko Regional Airport, Elko, Nevada. During the forced landing, the experimental airplane impacted a parking lot pole about 1/3-mile short of the approach end of the runway. Thereafter, the airplane impacted the ground in a nose down attitude and was substantially damaged. The pilot owned and operated the airplane. Both he and his passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot's last point of departure prior to the mishap was Wendover, Utah, about 1530 mountain standard time.

According to air traffic control (ATC) tower personnel, the pilot entered the airport's class D airspace without a clearance and attempted to land on runway 23. The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that because of the turbulence and wind gusts he encountered, he was not able to land during his first approach, so he performed a go-around. While climbing into the traffic pattern, he established radio contact with ATC, and he received a landing clearance.

The pilot did not report to ATC personnel that he had experienced any problem. On short final approach all engine power was lost, and the propeller stopped rotating. The pilot informed the Safety Board investigator that at the time the carburetor heat was not being used, but it should have been in the "on" position. The pilot stated that he believes carburetor ice was encountered.

ATC personnel reported that about 2 minutes before the crash, the wind was from 230 degrees at 17 knots, with gusts to 22 knots. There were moderate intensity rain showers, and the temperature/dew point was 22/13 degrees Celsius.

In the pilot's completed "Aircraft Accident Report" he stated, in pertinent part, that on July 29, he planned to fly from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Elko. En route, the pilot landed for fuel at Rock Springs, Wyoming. After departing Rock Springs the "engine lost power due to carburetor ice." The pilot stated that he made a precautionary landing at Fort Bridger, Wyoming. After landing he took off the engine cowl, drained and inspected the fuel tank, and dismantled the gascolator. No water or debris was found, and he resumed his flight toward Elko, with an interim landing at Wendover, Utah.

About 30 minutes after departing Wendover, the carburetor built ice up again. The pilot reported that he was able to maintain altitude with carburetor heat on, and about 10 minutes later full engine power was restored.

The pilot reported that the carburetor heat was on during his initial descent into Elko, but about 1/2-mile from the runway he pushed the carburetor heat control to the off position in case full engine power was needed for a go-around. According to the pilot, he maneuvered around the airport and the carburetor heat was both on and off. On final approach, with the heat in the off position, all engine power was lost, and he made a forced landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat, which resulted in the formation of carburetor ice and the total loss of engine power.