Casualties unknown

Engine Stoppage Leads to Ditching in Lake Huron After Foam Ingestion (N2AZ)

Cheboygan, MI, US

On September 9, 1982, a Cessna 172M (registration N2AZ) operated by James R. Nagey was involved in an aviation accident near Cheboygan, MI. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N2AZ
Aircraft registered N2AZ. Photo: ERIC SALARD from PARIS, FRANCE / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft experienced an engine stoppage over Lake Huron, forcing the pilot to ditch on the shoreline. Investigation revealed dried and shredded foam rubber from the air intake was ingested into the carburetor.

Overview

A flight operating over the waters of Lake Huron encountered an engine stoppage. Unable to glide to an airport, the pilot performed a ditching on the shoreline, bringing the aircraft to rest in the water.

Investigation Findings

Post-accident examination determined that foam rubber from the air intake had dried and shredded. This material was subsequently ingested into the carburetor air intake, leading to the engine failure.

Maintenance History

The aircraft had undergone an annual inspection 60 days prior to the occurrence. No other contributing factors were identified in the available information.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Sept 1982 Cessna 172M accident near Cheboygan, MI?

An aircraft experienced an engine stoppage over Lake Huron, forcing the pilot to ditch on the shoreline. Investigation revealed dried and shredded foam rubber from the air intake was ingested into the carburetor.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Sept 1982 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N2AZ, operated by James R. Nagey, at Cheboygan, MI.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04399. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.