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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

May 25, 1994 · Snow 600-S2C · N1659S

Bancroft, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 25, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bancroft, WI
Aircraft
Snow 600-S2C
Tail Number
N1659S
Operator
Farmers Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI94LA176

THE PILOT WAS RETURNING FROM A MAINTENANCE CHECK FLIGHT, AND ENTERED A LONG GLIDE TO THE AIRPORT. THE CONDITIONS WERE WITHIN THE AREA OF FAVORABLE CONDITIONS FOR CARBURETOR ICING AT GLIDE POWER ACCORDING TO THE TRANSPORT CANADA CARBURETOR ICING CHART. WHEN THE THROTTLE WAS ADVANCED, THE ENGINE DID NOT PRODUCE POWER AND A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A DITCH. NO PRE-ACCIDENT MECHANICAL DISCREPANCIES WERE DISCOVERED.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilots failure to select carburetor heat during an extended descent, which resulted in loss of engine power. Factors were carburetor icing conditions and the presence of a ditch at the forced landing site.

Full Narrative

On May 25, 1994, at 1200 central daylight time (CDT), a Snow 600-S2C, N1659S, operated by Farmers Flying Service, Inc., of Bancroft, Wisconsin, impacted a drainage ditch short of the approach end of the runway at the Bancroft East Airport and was substantially damaged. The commercial pilot reported that after an extended glide to descend to the airport, he attempted to increase power, experienced a loss of engine power and made a forced landing. He reported that the propeller was still rotating at impact, but the engine did not produce power. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a maintenance check flight following engine installation. Post-crash inspection of the engine revealed no anomalies except 3 broken gear teeth in the supercharger blower gear reduction section. Metallurgical analysis of these gear teeth revealed that all failed due to ductile overstress. During the forced landing, the pilot reported that the propeller struck the ground. Ambient conditions were an outside air temperature of 68 degrees, and a dew point of 57 degrees. This combination of temperatures falls within the area labeled "serious icing - glide power" on the Transport Canada Aviation Safety Bureau chart entitled "Conditions Known Favorable For Carburetor Icing."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 CDT
Nearest AirportBancroft East Airport (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width24 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSnow 600-S2C
Tail NumberN1659S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFarmers Flying Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-985 · Reciprocating · 450
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 7 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 57
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data