Casualties unknown

Engine failure due to carburetor heat control door separation leads to runway overrun (N21672)

Paxville, SC, US

On May 7, 1984, a Cessna 188B (registration N21672) operated by Robert W.jonte,jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Paxville, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine's failure to respond to the pilot's attempt to add power due to a blocked airflow caused by a separated butterfly valve door resulting from worn carburetor heat control door brackets. 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 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft nosed over short of the runway after the engine failed to respond to power requests. Investigation revealed worn brackets allowed the butterfly valve to block airflow.

What happened

The aircraft nosed over short of the runway following an engine failure that did not respond to the pilot's attempt to add power in order to reach the runway.

The investigation

Post-accident examination revealed that the carburetor heat control door brackets were worn. This wear allowed the butterfly valve door to separate and become free, which subsequently blocked airflow in the intake and carburetor duct.

Probable cause

The engine's failure to respond to the pilot's attempt to add power due to a blocked airflow caused by a separated butterfly valve door resulting from worn carburetor heat control door brackets.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 May 1984 Cessna 188B accident near Paxville, SC?

An aircraft nosed over short of the runway after the engine failed to respond to power requests. Investigation revealed worn brackets allowed the butterfly valve to block airflow.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 May 1984 involved a Cessna 188B, registration N21672, operated by Robert W.jonte,jr., at Paxville, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine's failure to respond to the pilot's attempt to add power due to a blocked airflow caused by a separated butterfly valve door resulting from worn carburetor heat control door brackets.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X39475. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.