Summary
On June 24, 1993, a Cessna 172 (N7817X) was involved in an incident near Statesville, NC. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The improper use of carburetor heat by the pilot. A factor in the accident was the carburetor icing conditions.
On June 24, 1993 at about 0920 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172, N7817X was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain during a precautionary landing near Statesville, North Carolina. Neither the private pilot, nor his passenger were injured in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and a visual flight rules flight plan was in effect for the personal flight. The flight departed Siler City, North Carolina at about 0830, and was destined for Morganton, North Carolina.
The pilot stated that following a descent, the engine lost power gradually, which he attributed to carburetor icing. He applied carburetor heat for approximately 3 seconds on two separate occasions.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ATL93LA115. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7817X.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The improper use of carburetor heat by the pilot. A factor in the accident was the carburetor icing conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On June 24, 1993 at about 0920 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172, N7817X was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain during a precautionary landing near Statesville, North Carolina. Neither the private pilot, nor his passenger were injured in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and a visual flight rules flight plan was in effect for the personal flight. The flight departed Siler City, North Carolina at about 0830, and was destined for Morganton, North Carolina.
The pilot stated that following a descent, the engine lost power gradually, which he attributed to carburetor icing. He applied carburetor heat for approximately 3 seconds on two separate occasions. However, he said, when the throttle was increased, the problem got worse. He elected to attempt a precautionary landing in a corn field. The aircraft struck a fence and flipped over.
The Icing Probability Chart shows at a temperature of 71 degrees fahrenheit (F) and a dew point of 63 degrees (F), serious icing conditions exist at glide power.(See Attached Chart.)
The pilot failed to complete and return NTSB Form 6120.1/2, which was delivered with cover letter on July 1, 1993.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL93LA115