On April 25, 1988, a Cessna 172M (registration N80269) was involved in an aviation accident near Alexandria, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Separation of the carburetor bowl from the carburetor base due to stripped threads, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During final approach, intermittent engine operation led to complete failure on landing rollout. Smoke entered cockpit during restart attempt. Pilot and three passengers evacuated. Investigation revealed carburetor bowl separation due to stripped threads.
Incident Sequence
While on final approach, the aircraft experienced intermittent engine operation. The situation deteriorated into a complete engine failure during the landing rollout. The pilot attempted a restart and noticed smoke entering the cockpit. Following the unsuccessful restart, the pilot and three passengers evacuated the aircraft. An engine compartment fire was observed.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the carburetor bowl had separated from the carburetor base. This separation allowed fuel to flow freely into the engine compartment. The threads in the carburetor bowl were found to be stripped. Maintenance records indicate that during the last annual inspection, which occurred 96 operating hours prior to the incident, work was performed on the carburetor to tighten the screws that secure the bowl to the base.
Probable cause
Separation of the carburetor bowl from the carburetor base due to stripped threads, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
What happened in the 25 Apr 1988 Cessna 172M accident near Alexandria, IN?
During final approach, intermittent engine operation led to complete failure on landing rollout. Smoke entered cockpit during restart attempt. Pilot and three passengers evacuated. Investigation revealed carburetor bowl separation due to stripped threads.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Apr 1988 Cessna 172M accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Apr 1988 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N80269, at Alexandria, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Separation of the carburetor bowl from the carburetor base due to stripped threads, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…