The pilot’s delayed use of carburetor heat, which resulted in carburetor icing and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
NTSB
Failure of landing gear strut piston tube bends Piper PA-44
Failure of the landing gear strut piston tube due to fatigue cracking from corrosion pitting.
Distractions interrupt pilot’s pre-landing checklist
The pilot’s distraction in the cockpit which interrupted his pre-landing checklist which resulted in his failure to configure the landing gear prior to touchdown.
Contaminated fuel contributes to crash
The partial loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel.
NTSB launches General Aviation Accident Dashboard
The General Aviation Accident Dashboard provides statistics, investigative findings, and safety recommendations for general aviation accidents from 2012 through 2021.
Inadequate maintenance results in oil starvation
The inadequate maintenance/inspection of the airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to oil starvation.
Corrosion and rust leads to fuel starvation
A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of corrosion and rust in the fuel injection servo.
Decision to take off into IMC fatal for two
The pilot’s decision to takeoff into instrument meteorological conditions consisting of low ceilings and icing and his failure to remain clear of terrain while attempting to remain below the clouds, which resulted in impact with terrain.
Human Factors: Say it out loud
In his report on the gear-up accident to the NTSB, the pilot said that he was alone in the airplane and “I did not state my GUMPS checks out loud,” adding that he normally “religiously” says a minimum of two out loud and sometimes three.