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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

March 20, 1999 · Cessna 152 · N46542

Bunn Level, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 20, 1999
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Bunn Level, NC
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N46542
Operator
Michael C Williamson
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL99LA056

The pilot reported that the engine could not be started during the departure preparations. The battery was changed and the engine started. According to the pilot, after engine start, the instrument lights did not illuminate. He elected to continue the night cross country flight. Approximately one hour into the flight, the pilot's flashlight failed followed by loss of vacuum pressure and a subsequent loss of the vacuum-driven instruments. Moments later, while at 3,500 feet mean sea level, the pilot stated that all electrical power was lost followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot made a forced landing in a wooded area and collided with several trees. Following the accident, the engine, alternator, vacuum pump, carburetor, and magnetos that were on the airplane at the time of the accident were tested and found to function normally through all ranges of power settings.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Factors were an electrical system malfunction for undetermined reasons and the dark night conditions.

Full Narrative

On March 20, 1999, at 2328 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N46542, collided with trees while performing a forced landing near Bunn Level, North Carolina. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed for the pleasure flight. The private pilot and passenger received minor injuries and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The airplane departed Florence Regional Airport in Florence, South Carolina, at 2215, destined for Dillon County Airport, in Dillon, South Carolina. According to the pilot, before departing, the airplane's battery was discharged and required an external power source for the engine start. The pilot stated that after startup, the instrument lights did not work, so he used his flashlight to illuminate the instrument panel. During the preflight engine run-up, no abnormalities were noted by the pilot. Approximately one hour into the flight, the pilot's flashlight failed followed by loss of vacuum pressure and a subsequent loss of the vacuum-driven instruments. Moments later, while at 3,500 feet mean sea level, the pilot stated that all electrical power was lost followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but stated that the engine "failed to turn over." The pilot made a forced landing in a wooded area and collided with several trees. During the subsequent examination of the engine, the alternator, vacuum pump, carburetor, and magnetos that were on the airplane at the time of the accident were tested. The engine assembly was found to function normally through all ranges of power settings (see attached report of engine examination). No obvious source for the loss of electrical power was determined during the wreckage examination. A review of current weather data disclosed that conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time23:28 EST
Nearest AirportHarnett County (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN46542
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMichael C Williamson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsUnknown
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time05:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data