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NTSB Report

January 3, 2016 · Cessna 170B · N3035A

Ingleside, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 3, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ingleside, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 170B (1953)
Tail Number
N3035A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN16LA078

The private pilot reported that the engine cylinders had been replaced before the accident flight and that the purpose of the flight was to continue a cylinder break-in period. The engine run-up and propeller check were completed during the taxi to the runway to keep the ground run-up to a minimum. After engine start, no anomalies were noted. The pilot stated that the break-in procedures called for lower cylinder head temperatures and less than full power at the beginning of takeoff. After the airplane took off and reached about 100 ft above ground level (agl), the pilot slowly reduced rpm and the manifold pressure to about 65 percent power. At 200 ft agl, the engine lost partial power. The engine briefly regained some power, but it then lost power again. The pilot executed a forced landing in mesquite tree-covered terrain. A postaccident examination and functional test of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated that he believed the engine lost power due to carburetor ice, and the weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious carburetor icing at cruise power. It is likely that the engine lost power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Temp/humidity/pressure-Conducive to carburetor icing-Effect on equipment - C

Full Narrative

On January 3, 2016, at 1445 central standard time, a Cessna 170B single-engine airplane, N3035A, impacted terrain following a loss of engine power during takeoff from the McCampbell-Porter Airport (TFP), Ingleside, Texas. The two private pilots were not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the engine cylinders were replaced prior to the accident flight, and the purpose of the flight was to continue the cylinder break-in period after the cylinder replacement. The pilot stated that the break-in procedures called for lower cylinder head temperatures, as practical, and less than full power at the beginning of takeoff. The engine run-up and propeller check were completed during the taxi to the runway in order to keep the ground run-up to a minimum. The engine break-in procedures state the following, "Start engine, run up normally, taxi and takeoff immediately. (Minimize ground time.)" After engine start, no anomalies were noted. During takeoff, engine power was set to 2,500 RPM. About 100 feet above ground level, the pilot slowly reduced RPM and reduced manifold pressure to about 65 percent power. Approximately 200 feet above ground level after takeoff during a shallow climb and right turn, the engine lost partial power. The engine briefly regained some power, then lost power again. The pilot executed a forced landing in mesquite tree covered terrain. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted terrain and mesquite trees. The pilot stated he believed the engine lost power due to carburetor ice. At 1535, the TFP automated weather observing system (AWOS), reported the wind from 310 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, sky overcast at 4,800 feet, temperature 9 degrees Celsius, dew point 5 degrees Celsius, and altimeter setting of 30.24 inches of mercury. After the airplane was recovered from the accident site, the engine was functionally tested at various power settings for about 5 minutes, and a magneto check was performed. No anomalies were noted during the engine functional test. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) carburetor icing probability chart showed a probability of serious icing at cruise power at the temperature and dew point reported at the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 CST
Nearest Airport1nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170B
Tail NumberN3035A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 45 C
Altimeter30.23 inHg
Observation Time21:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data