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NTSB Report
July 27, 1989 · Cessna 172M · N12662
Wixom, MI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 27, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Wixom, MI
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N12662
Operator
Thomas Adams Jr
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI89LA149
THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO GO AROUND DURING A NIGHT VISUAL APPROACH AND EXPERIENCED TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. AS HE WAS MAKING A FORCED LANDING IN A CULTIVATED FIELD NEAR THE END OF THE RUNWAY, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A TREE, THEN LANDED HARD. NO CONTAMINATION WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE ENGINE RAN NORMALLY IN A POST-ACCIDENT TEST. CONDITIONS WERE FAVORABLE FOR CARBURETOR ICING. THE PILOT DID NOT GET A WEATHER BRIEFING.
NTSB Probable Cause
CARBURETOR ICE DUE TO THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: WEATHER CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO CARBURETOR ICE, DARK NIGHT, AND TREE(S) IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO GO AROUND DURING A NIGHT VISUAL APPROACH AND EXPERIENCED TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. AS HE WAS MAKING A FORCED LANDING IN A CULTIVATED FIELD NEAR THE END OF THE RUNWAY, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A TREE, THEN LANDED HARD. NO CONTAMINATION WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE ENGINE RAN NORMALLY IN A POST-ACCIDENT TEST. CONDITIONS WERE FAVORABLE FOR CARBURETOR ICING. THE PILOT DID NOT GET A WEATHER BRIEFING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:40 EDT
Nearest AirportSpencer Field (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length2550 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN12662
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorThomas Adams Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 24 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind270° @ 7 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time02:45
Weather SourceWFAC