Cessna 152 N94820

Summary

On 8 December 2003 at about 22:55 local time, a Cessna 152 registered N94820, operated by Aero Executive Services Inc., was involved in an accident near Butler, Pennsylvania, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

8 December 2003 at 22:55

Classification

Accident

Location

Butler, Pennsylvania, United States

Nearest airport

Rostraver Airport (FWQ)

Coordinates

40.8881, -79.9839

Aircraft

Cessna 152

Registration

N94820

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Aero Executive Services Inc.

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Erie → Monongahela

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night

NTSB number

NYC04LA045

1 person was seriously injured.

The student pilot's improper use of carburetor heat, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise flight. A factor was carburetor icing conditions.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

During cruise flight at 3,000 feet msl, the engine began to sputter, and lost all power. The student pilot completed the emergency checklist items, which included the application of carburetor heat. Subsequently, the student pilot was able to restart the engine. The engine then ran for approximately 15-20 seconds, but lost all power a second time; shortly after the student pilot had turned the carburetor heat off. The student pilot again was able to restart the engine using emergency procedures, which included turning the carburetor heat back on. The engine restarted and ran at a slower rpm for approximately 1 minute, before losing total power for a third time. The student pilot then performed a forced landing into trees. Review of the aircraft and fueling records revealed that the airplane had flown 3.3 hours since being completely fueled. Review of a make and model Pilot's Operating Handbook revealed that at 65 percent power, the airplane's endurance was approximately 3.9 hours. Review of the FAA Carburetor Icing Probability Chart revealed that the airplane engine was susceptible to icing at glide and cruise power in the reported weather conditions.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.