This August 2009 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Taylorcraft BCS-65 Injuries: None. Location: Boulder, Colo. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: According to the pilot, the engine lost power shortly after takeoff. He performed a forced landing to an adjacent field. During the forced landing the airplane was substantially damaged.
An examination of the airplane, conducted by the FAA, revealed no pre-accident anomalies. However, according to the carburetor icing chart, the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power.
Probable cause: A partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to carburetor icing.
For more information: NTSB.gov NTSB Identification: CEN09LA546
