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NTSB Report

October 4, 1997 · Cessna 120 · N76898

Mineral Wells, WV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 4, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mineral Wells, WV
Aircraft
Cessna 120
Tail Number
N76898
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC98LA005

During climb-out from a go-around, at about 125 feet, the engine began to sputter. The pilot pulled out carburetor heat, and then pushed it in. The engine lost power and the pilot headed for a nearby field. On final approach the airplane's right wing tip struck a power line, cartwheeling the airplane on to the ground. The fuel lines, fuel vents, magnetos, timing, compression, valve continuity, spark plugs, induction system, and other miscellaneous items were examined. The fuel inlet screen in the carburetor was found broken and deformed. Small pieces of this fuel screen were found in the float bowl and the main jet.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power to a blockage in the carburetor resulting in fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

On October 4, 1997, at 0950 Eastern Daylight Time, a Cessna 120, N76898, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near the Scott Field Airport, Mineral Wells, West Virginia. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at Scott Field, about 0925. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, when he arrived at the airport, he changed the oil in the airplane's engine, and then departed runway 04 on a local flight. When he returned after about a 25 minute flight, he flew an approach to runway 04. While on final approach, the pilot decided that the approach was high and added power to go-around. During the climb out, at about 125 feet, the engine began to sputter. The pilot pulled out the carburetor heat control, and then pushed it back in. The engine stopped. The pilot performed a forced landing to a nearby field, but on approach the right wing tip contacted a power line, cartwheeled to the ground. According to the written report of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector who examined the wreckage: "Fuel lines, fuel vents, magnetos, timing, compression, valve continuity, spark plugs, induction system and other miscellaneous items were examined. The only noteworthy find was that the fuel inlet screen in the carburetor was found broken and deformed. Small pieces of this fuel screen were found in the float bowl and the main jet. It appears that this blockage in the carburetor main jet caused an interruption in the fuel to the engine." The pilot had accumulated approximately 306 total flight hours, of which 201 hours were in make and model.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:50 EDT
Nearest AirportScott Field Airport (1nm WSW)
Runway4
Runway Length2020 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 120
Tail NumberN76898
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data