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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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August 17, 1988 · Cessna 172F · N5318R

Crandon, WI

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 17, 1988
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Crandon, WI
Aircraft
Cessna 172F
Tail Number
N5318R
Operator
Shields George L
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI88LA212

DURING CRUISE FLIGHT IN DETERIORATING METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE PILOT PERFORMED EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE, AND EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING IN A CLOVER FIELD. THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE WHEN IT STRUCK A 4' DEEP DITCH AND NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING ROLL. POST-ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE AND FUEL SYSTEM REVEALED NO PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF MALFUNCTION PRIOR TO IMPACT. THE FAA INSPECTOR PRESENT AT THE ACCIDENT SITE STATED THAT WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE FOR CARBURETOR ICING.

Full Narrative

DURING CRUISE FLIGHT IN DETERIORATING METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE PILOT PERFORMED EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE, AND EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING IN A CLOVER FIELD. THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE WHEN IT STRUCK A 4' DEEP DITCH AND NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING ROLL. POST-ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE AND FUEL SYSTEM REVEALED NO PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF MALFUNCTION PRIOR TO IMPACT. THE FAA INSPECTOR PRESENT AT THE ACCIDENT SITE STATED THAT WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE FOR CARBURETOR ICING.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172F
Tail NumberN5318R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorShields George L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 13 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:59
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data