On December 3, 1988, a Cessna 172 (registration N19863) operated by Ernest Levesque was involved in an aviation accident near Block Island, RI. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Cessna 182 pilot on downwind reported engine failure after applying carburetor heat and reducing power. The aircraft landed about 500 feet short of the runway. Inspection found carburetor heat off and mixture at idle cutoff.
Accident Sequence
The pilot of the Cessna 182 was conducting a landing approach and was on the downwind leg. The pilot reported that he activated the carburetor heat control and then reduced the throttle to achieve 1500 RPM. Within a few seconds after these actions, the engine ceased operation. The pilot immediately communicated the engine failure to the air traffic control tower. The aircraft subsequently landed off the runway, coming to rest approximately 500 feet short of the runway surface.
Inspection Findings
Following the occurrence, an inspection of the aircraft's engine control systems was carried out. The inspection revealed that the carburetor heat control was in the off position. Additionally, the mixture control was found to be in the idle cutoff position, having been pulled out fully.
What happened in the 3 Dec 1988 Cessna 172 accident near Block Island, RI?
A Cessna 182 pilot on downwind reported engine failure after applying carburetor heat and reducing power. The aircraft landed about 500 feet short of the runway. Inspection found carburetor heat off and mixture at idle cutoff.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Dec 1988 involved a Cessna 172, registration N19863, operated by Ernest Levesque, at Block Island, RI.
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