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NTSB Report

February 16, 2003 · Cessna 140 · N76897

Fryeburg, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 16, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fryeburg, ME
Aircraft
Cessna 140
Tail Number
N76897
Operator
Don Thibodwau
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC03LA055

During an instructional flight, about 2,500 feet msl, the CFI applied carburetor heat and set the engine power to idle for a simulated engine failure. The private pilot completed the emergency checklist items, and positioned the airplane for a simulated forced landing to a field. During the descent, the carburetor heat remained on, and the CFI occasionally cycled the throttle to clear the engine. About 15-20 feet above the field, the pilot attempted to add power for a go-around, but the engine did not respond. The CFI then took control of the airplane, and performed a forced landing to the field. A certificated mechanic examined the wreckage after the accident. The mechanic was able to rotate the propeller by hand, and did not note any discrepancies with the engine. He also observed adequate fuel in the airplane. The mechanic further stated that he believed the power loss occurred due to carburetor ice. On the make and model accident engine, the carburetor was situated below the engine, and more susceptible to carburetor ice. In addition, the carburetor heat relied on two cylinders, rather than all four. The mechanic was confident that carburetor ice caused the power loss, and did not attempt to disassemble the carburetor to look for ice. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector stated that she did not examine the wreckage, but the certificated mechanic had determined the power loss was due to carburetor ice.

NTSB Probable Cause

An in-flight encounter with carburetor ice, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during a simulated engine failure.

Full Narrative

On February 16, 2003, about 1430 eastern standard time, a Cessna 140, N76897, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a field near Fryeburg, Maine. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and the private pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Eastern Slopes Regional Airport (IZG), Fryeburg, Maine, about 1400. No flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot stated that he had recently purchased the airplane, and was receiving flight instruction. The private pilot completed some maneuvers at an altitude of 2,500-3,000 feet msl, and about 1430, the CFI applied carburetor heat while setting the engine power to idle for a simulated engine failure. The private pilot completed the emergency checklist items, and positioned the airplane for a simulated forced landing to a field. During the descent, the carburetor heat remained on, and the CFI occasionally cycled the throttle to "clear the engine." About 15-20 feet above the field, the pilot attempted to add power for a go-around, but the engine did not respond. The CFI then took control of the airplane, and performed a forced landing to the field. During the landing, the airplane struck a snow bank and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained damage to the gearbox, fuselage, wings, and vertical stabilizer. A certificated mechanic examined the wreckage after the accident. The mechanic was able to rotate the propeller by hand, and did not note any discrepancies with the engine. He also observed fuel in the airplane. The mechanic further stated that he believed the power loss occurred due to carburetor ice. He added that on the make and model accident engine, the carburetor was situated below the engine, and more susceptible to carburetor ice. In addition, the carburetor heat relied on two cylinders, rather than all four. The mechanic was confident that carburetor ice caused the power loss, and did not attempt to disassemble the carburetor to look for ice. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector stated that she did not examine the wreckage, but the certificated mechanic had determined the power loss was due to carburetor ice. The reported temperature at an airport approximately 30 miles southeast of the accident site, at 1451, was 16 degrees F. The reported dew point was -16 degrees F, which yielded a relative humidity of 22 percent. According to DOT/FAA/CT-82/44 Publication, Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, the engine was not susceptible to carburetor ice under those conditions.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 EST
Nearest AirportEastern Slopes Regional Airpor (5nm NNW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 140
Tail NumberN76897
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDon Thibodwau
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C85 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 49 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point16 C / -17 C
Altimeter30.63 inHg
Observation Time19:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data