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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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October 12, 1997 · Cessna 172P · N945SM

Wiggins, MS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 12, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Wiggins, MS
Aircraft
Cessna 172P
Tail Number
N945SM
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA98TA011

While climbing through 300 feet after takeoff the engine quit. While making a forced landing in a field the aircraft nosed over. Post crash examination showed the aircraft contained uncontaminated fuel and all fuel lines were unobstructed. The engine was started and operated with no evidence of failure or malfunction. Disassembly of the carburetor after engine run showed no evidence of failure or malfunction. The aircraft was not operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing at rated power.

NTSB Probable Cause

Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons resulting in a forced landing on unsuitable terrain and the aircraft nosing over during landing roll.

Full Narrative

On October 12, 1997, about 1205 central daylight time, a Cessna 172P, N945SM, registered to the Mississippi Forestry Commission, nosed over while making a forced landing in a field following loss of engine power at Wiggins, Mississippi, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 public use flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that after takeoff, while climbing through 300 feet, the engine quit. He was able to restore partial power by pumping the engine throttle. He was unable to return to the airport and the aircraft nosed over while making a forced landing in a plowed field. Postcrash examination of the aircraft and engine was performed by an FAA inspector. The aircraft and engine was found to contain uncontaminated fuel and all fuel lines were unobstructed. Each engine control was still connected and operated properly. After the aircraft was recovered from the field, the engine was started and operated to 2,000 rpm with no evidence of failure or malfunction. The engine was not operated to full power due to a bent propeller. After the engine run, the carburetor was removed and disassembled. No evidence to indicated mechanical failure or malfunction was found in the carburetor. (See FAA Inspector Statement). Carburetor icing probability curves showed the aircraft was not operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing at rated power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:05 CDT
Nearest AirportDean Griffin Memorial (1nm S)
Runway17
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172P
Tail NumberN945SM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2J · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 12 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3000 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data