Cessna 172G N1321F

Summary

On 19 March 1999 at about 04:38 local time, a Cessna 172G registered N1321F was involved in an accident near Agate, Colorado, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

19 March 1999 at 04:38

Classification

Accident

Location

Agate, Colorado, United States

Coordinates

39.4692, -103.9492

Aircraft

Cessna 172G

Registration

N1321F

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Burlington → Englewood

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night/Dark

NTSB number

DEN99LA057

2 people had minor injuries.

The development of carburetor ice resulting in a partial loss of engine power. Factors were the weather conditions favorable for carburetor icing, the dark night conditions, and the lack of suitable terrain for landing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

While in cruise flight at 8,500 feet in dark night conditions, the aircraft's engine began experiencing a gradual loss of rpm. The pilot adjusted the mixture setting and applied carburetor heat, but was unsuccessful in restoring full power. She attempted to divert to the Limon, Colorado, Airport, 14 nautical miles to the east, but the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude. The airplane impacted the ground, became airborne, then hit the ground again in a rough, open field. The aircraft then nosed over. Two examinations on the engine and airframe were performed and no mechanical engine abnormalities or discrepancies were found. According to reported weather conditions at Limon, the closest weather facility located 14 miles from the accident site, the temperature and dew point were 30 and 25 degrees F., respectively, with overcast ceilings at 2,500 feet. According to a carburetor icing chart, the conditions near the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of moderate to severe icing with a cruise power setting.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.