Casualties unknown

1989-02-18: Cessna 170B (N8032A) — Shelly R. Decker — Cleveland, TN

Cleveland, TN, US

On February 18, 1989, a Cessna 170B (registration N8032A) operated by Shelly R. Decker was involved in an aviation accident near Cleveland, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER BY THE PILOT AND HIS DELAY IN DIVERTING TO AN ALTERNATE AIRPORT WHICH LED TO A PARTIAL POWER LOSS AND AN EMERGENCY LANDING. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND SOFT TERRAIN WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot made a precautionary landing in a field after encountering icing and loss of RPM during a flight; the aircraft nosed over on soft terrain.

Flight and Weather Conditions

A pilot reported obtaining a weather briefing before the initial flight. En route, the pilot landed to check the weather again. After the second takeoff, weather information was obtained in flight from the ATIS at Knoxville, Tennessee. The ATIS reported 900 feet overcast, 8 miles visibility, and severe icing in the local area.

Incident Sequence

Earlier in the flight, the pilot had used carburetor heat due to the weather conditions. With the carburetor heat applied, the aircraft entered a snow shower and a loss of RPM ensued. Additionally, airframe icing was encountered.

Landing and Outcome

The pilot elected to divert to a nearby airport; however, the RPM could not be maintained and a precautionary landing was made in a field. During the landing, the aircraft encountered soft terrain and nosed over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27693. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.