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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

October 13, 2018 · Cessna 120 No Series · N1881N

Hudson, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 13, 2018
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Hudson, CO
Aircraft
Cessna 120 No Series (1946)
Tail Number
N1881N
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN19LA006

The pilot was attempting to land with quartering tailwind. He stated that he noticed a strong crosswind and decided to go around. During the go-around, the pilot added engine power; however, the engine did not develop full power. The engine began to sputter and surge as the airplane continued to climb but did not regain power, so the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. The airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage. A postaccident engine test run was performed. The engine started without hesitation, but damage to the engine and propeller prevented testing the maximum power setting. Although the engine operation during the go-around is similar to that which would be experienced if carburetor ice had accumulated during the approach, the weather conditions at the time were just outside those at which ice would accumulate. Therefore, the reason for the partial loss of engine could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

Full Narrative

***This report was modified on September 3, 2020. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report.*** On October 13, 2018, about 1500 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 120 airplane, N1881N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fort Lupton, Colorado. The pilot and passenger both sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated by a private individual as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to a statement provided by the pilot, while attempting to land on runway 33 at Platte Valley Airpark (18V), Hudson, Colorado, the pilot noticed a strong crosswind and decided to go around. During the go-around, the pilot added engine power the engine did not develop full power. The engine began to sputter and surge as the airplane continued to climb. The engine did not regain power, so the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. The airplane settled into a cornfield and nosed over. The airplane was transported to a salvage facility and the engine set up for a functional test run. The engine started without hesitation and ran at idle power without incident. Damage to the engine and propeller prevented testing the maximum power setting. A review of carburetor icing probability chart found that the airplane was not operating in an area at the edge of having the potential for icing at a glide power setting. During recovery of the airplane about 7 gallons of fuel was recovered from both tanks.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 MDT
Nearest AirportPlatte Valley Airpark (1nm N)
Runway33
Runway Length4100 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 120 No Series
Tail NumberN1881N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C85 SERIES · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 13 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 27 C
Altimeter29.71 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data