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NTSB Report

December 3, 2002 · Cessna 150H · N50346

Twentynine Palm, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 3, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Twentynine Palm, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 150H
Tail Number
N50346
Operator
Karl Hoyer
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX03LA044

The airplane experienced a loss of engine power in the takeoff initial climb and impacted terrain during a forced landing. After completing two uneventful landings, the student pilot input full throttle and began the third takeoff of the day. Over halfway down the runway, about 75 feet above ground level, the student told the CFI that he did not think the engine was developing full power. The CFI took over the controls and confirmed that the partial power condition. While attempting a soft field landing, the nose landing gear impacted a bush and the airplane nosed over. Temperatures were obtained from a weather reporting station located 14 miles west-northwest of the airport. At 1855, the temperature was 52 degrees Fahrenheit and the dew point was 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At 2000, the temperature was 48 degrees Fahrenheit and the dew point was 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures and dew points were applied to an industry standard Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, and both were within the "serious icing at glide power" portion of the chart.

NTSB Probable Cause

The improper use of carburetor heat, and the instructor's inadequate supervision which resulted in a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

Full Narrative

On December 2, 2002, at 1930 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 150H, N50346, experienced a loss of engine power and collided with terrain during a forced landing near Twentynine Palms, California. A private individual was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. Neither the certified flight instructor (CFI) nor the student pilot was injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. The local instructional flight originated at Twentynine Palms Airport about 1900. In a written statement, the CFI stated that the purpose of the flight was for the student pilot to perform practice touch-and-go takeoffs and landings on runway 26. After completing two uneventful landings, the student pilot input full throttle and began the third takeoff. Over halfway down the runway, about 75 feet above ground level, the student told the CFI that he did not think the engine was developing full power. The CFI took over the controls and confirmed the partial power condition. He attempted to maintain altitude by pitching for best rate of climb, and began a shallow turn to the left in an effort to avoid power lines that he knew were in close proximity. As he realized that the airplane was not able to sustain lift, the CFI configured the airplane for a soft field landing. With the airplane approaching an airport fence, the CFI touched down. The nose landing gear impacted a bush and the airplane nosed over. Temperatures were obtained from MCAS Twentynine Palms, located 14 miles west-northwest from the Twentynine Palms Airport. At 1855, the temperature was 52 degrees Fahrenheit and the dew point was 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At 2000, the temperature was 48 degrees Fahrenheit and the dew point was 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures were applied to an industry Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, and both recorded temperatures were within the "serious icing at glide power" portion of the chart.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 PST
Nearest AirportTwentynine Palms Airport (0nm)
Runway26
Runway Length5531 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150H
Tail NumberN50346
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKarl Hoyer
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200-A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 46 · First Class · None
Crew 2Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind290° @ 7 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 32 C
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time02:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data