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September 13, 2009 · Cessna 172N · N734TV

Hillsville, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 13, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Hillsville, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N734TV
Operator
Twin County Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09LA517

The student pilot stated that, while on the base leg, the engine stopped and she made a forced landing in a field one quarter of a mile from the airport. The carburetor heat was in use at the time of the loss of power. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the flight control system components, engine, and system components showed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. The current ambient temperature was 73 degrees Fahrenheit, with a dew point of 57 degrees Fahrenheit. Review of the carburetor icing probability chart revealed that serious carburetor icing could occur at glide power.

NTSB Probable Cause

Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C

Full Narrative

On September 13, 2009, at 1350 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N734TV, experienced a total loss of engine power while on base leg to land at Twin County Airport (HLX), Hillsville, Virginia. The student pilot received minor injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged during the subsequent forced landing. The flight was operated as an instructional flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight originated from Mount Airy/Surry County Airport (MWK), Mount Airy, North Carolina, at 1330. According to the student pilot, the purpose of the flight was to conduct a solo flight from HLX to MWK, and return to HLX. The pilot stated that the aircraft was fueled at HLX and that she departed with at least 29 gallons of fuel onboard. The pilot said that when she arrived at MWK she made three full stop landings and then proceeded back to HLX as planned. She then entered the downwind leg, applied carburetor heat, and reduced the power to 1,500 rpm. The student pilot went on to say that while on the base leg, the engine stopped, and she subsequently made a forced landing in a field one quarter of a mile from the airport. During the landing roll out the airplane hit a ditch, and flipped over inverted. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane touched down on an uphill grade in a field within one quarter of a mile of the airport. The nose landing gear broke off and the aircraft flipped over within 60 feet of the initial touchdown point. The airframe and flight control system components revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. Examination of the engine did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions. No fuel contamination was discovered during the examination of the fuel system, and fuel was observed leaking out of the fuel tanks. The current ambient temperature was 73 degrees Fahrenheit, with a dew point of 57 degrees Fahrenheit. Review of the icing probability chart revealed that the chance of serious icing can occur in this temperature/dew point range.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:50 EDT
Nearest AirportTwin County Airport (1nm)
Runway01
Runway Length4204 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN734TV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTwin County Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter0
Observation Time18:45
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data