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NTSB Report
March 3, 1990 · Cessna 172G · N3663L
Wanchese, NC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 3, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Wanchese, NC
Aircraft
Cessna 172G
Tail Number
N3663L
Operator
Melvin D Burris
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL90LA072
THE PILOT REPORTED HE CLIMBED OVER A CLOUD BANK A FEW HUNDRED FEET HIGH, WHICH WAS LOCATED OVER THE INLET WHICH FLOWED INTO THE ATLANTIC. AS HE TRANSITIONED THROUGH THE COLD FRONT THE OAT GAUGE DROPPED FROM 60 TO 38 DEGREES. ONCE PAST THE CLOUD BANK, HE REDUCED POWER AND APPLIED CARBURETOR HEAT TO DESCEND BELOW A SECOND LINE OF CLOUDS AND FOG. HE LEVELED AT 1000 FEET ADDED FULL POWER AND TURNED OFF THE CARBURETOR HEAT. THIRTY SECONDS LATER THE ENGINE QUIT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S PREMATURE, DISCONTINUED USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REPORTED HE CLIMBED OVER A CLOUD BANK A FEW HUNDRED FEET HIGH, WHICH WAS LOCATED OVER THE INLET WHICH FLOWED INTO THE ATLANTIC. AS HE TRANSITIONED THROUGH THE COLD FRONT THE OAT GAUGE DROPPED FROM 60 TO 38 DEGREES. ONCE PAST THE CLOUD BANK, HE REDUCED POWER AND APPLIED CARBURETOR HEAT TO DESCEND BELOW A SECOND LINE OF CLOUDS AND FOG. HE LEVELED AT 1000 FEET ADDED FULL POWER AND TURNED OFF THE CARBURETOR HEAT. THIRTY SECONDS LATER THE ENGINE QUIT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:54 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172G
Tail NumberN3663L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMelvin D Burris
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 7 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:05
Weather SourceWFAC