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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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April 29, 1988 · Cessna 152 · N25038

Dexter, MO

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 29, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Dexter, MO
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N25038
Operator
Nick S Aircraft Sales
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC88LA081

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, DURING AN INSTRUCTIONAL NIGHT CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING FLT, THE CFI SAID HE BEGAN TO LOSE ENGINE RPM. HE MADE A 180 DEGREE TURN TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE APT, WHEN HE HAD A COMPLETE POWER FAILURE. AN EMERGENCY LDG WAS MADE ON A FRESHLY PLOWED FIELD, AND THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER. POST FLIGHT EXAMINATION REVEALED NO MECHANICAL NOR FUEL SUPPLY FAILURES. CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE FOR CARBURETOR ICING ACCORDING TO THE ICING PROBABILITY CHARTS. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT AT THE TIME NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO PREVENT THE POWER FAILURE.

Full Narrative

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, DURING AN INSTRUCTIONAL NIGHT CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING FLT, THE CFI SAID HE BEGAN TO LOSE ENGINE RPM. HE MADE A 180 DEGREE TURN TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE APT, WHEN HE HAD A COMPLETE POWER FAILURE. AN EMERGENCY LDG WAS MADE ON A FRESHLY PLOWED FIELD, AND THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER. POST FLIGHT EXAMINATION REVEALED NO MECHANICAL NOR FUEL SUPPLY FAILURES. CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE FOR CARBURETOR ICING ACCORDING TO THE ICING PROBABILITY CHARTS. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT AT THE TIME NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO PREVENT THE POWER FAILURE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN25038
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNick S Aircraft Sales
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 19 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time01:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data