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June 26, 2008 · Cessna 172N · N6360D

El Cajon, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 26, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
El Cajon, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N6360D
Operator
California Flight Academy
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08LA206

During a dual instructional flight, while over a reservoir, the certified flight instructor (CFI) simulated an engine failure by retarding the throttle. After about 1 minute of procedures at idle, the CFI applied power, but the engine did not respond. The CFI performed a forced landing to a field on a ranch. During landing, the left wing tip struck the ground, and the left wing sustained structural damage. The engine operated normally during a post accident test run. The temperature and dew point at the nearest reporting point about 6 nautical miles from the accident site near the time of the accident were recorded as 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. Plotting these values on a carburetor icing probability chart indicated that the airplane was operating in the range for serious icing at glide power. According to the operator, the CFI did not apply carburetor heat prior to retarding the throttle during the simulated engine failure.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power due to carburetor ice resulting from the flight instructor's failure to use the carburetor heat when simulating an engine failure. Contributing to the accident were the carburetor icing weather condition and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On June 26, 2008, about 1630 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N6360D, experienced a loss of engine power and made a forced landing near El Cajon, California. California Flight Academy was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 as an instructional flight. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and the student pilot were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight departed Gillespie Field Airport, El Cajon, about 1530, on a local instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. According to the CFI, while over San Vicente Reservoir, he simulated an engine failure by retarding the throttle. After "1 minute of procedures," the CFI applied power but the engine did not respond. The CFI performed a forced landing to a field on a ranch. During landing, the left wing tip struck the ground, and the left wing sustained structural damage. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane at the accident site. The inspector observed fuel in both tanks and in the gascolator. The engine oil level was at 7 quarts, and the air filter was not obstructed. The wings were removed and the airplane was recovered to the operator's hangar at Gillespie Field. On July 10, 2008, an FAA inspector observed a test run of the engine. Fuel was supplied to the engine by means of a line leading from a bucket directly to the gascolator. The engine started and idled normally. Power was increased to 1800 rpm, and the carburetor heat was applied and found to operate normally. Power was further increased to 2000 rpm and the engine was then shutdown by moving the mixture control to the idle cutoff position. The temperature and dew point at Gillespie Field at 1647 were recorded as 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. Plotting these values on a carburetor icing probability chart indicated that the airplane was operating in the range for serious icing at glide power. According to the operator, the CFI did not apply carburetor heat prior to retarding the throttle during the simulated engine failure.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 PDT
Nearest AirportGillespie Field Airport (6nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN6360D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCalifornia Flight Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 18 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 9 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.88 inHg
Observation Time23:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data