Cessna 120 N1881N

Summary

On 13 October 2018 at about 21:30 local time, a Cessna 120 registered N1881N was involved in an accident near Hudson, 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

13 October 2018 at 21:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Hudson, Colorado, United States

Nearest airport

Platte Valley Airpark (18V)

Coordinates

40.1108, -104.7008

Aircraft

Cessna 120

Registration

N1881N

Category

Airplane

Year built

1946

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Brighton → Hudson

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN19LA006

2 people had minor injuries.

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

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.