On April 28, 1990, a Cessna 172D (registration N2670U) operated by Flores, Eusebio was involved in an aviation accident near Isla Grande, PR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to apply sufficient carburetor heat during an extended descent, which resulted in carburetor ice accumulation and subsequent engine power loss. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane lost engine power during a long descent at 4,500 feet because the pilot failed to use enough carburetor heat. The crew ditched the plane short of the airport in conditions favorable for ice formation.
What happened
During flight operations at an altitude of approximately 4,500 feet mean sea level, the pilot initiated an extended descent by reducing the throttle setting to idle. During this phase of flight, the pilot did not apply sufficient heat to the carburetor. The atmospheric conditions were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice.
Approximately three minutes after the power reduction, the engine lost power. Unable to restore engine function, the pilot executed a ditching maneuver short of the airport destination.
Findings
The investigation highlighted that the weather and temperature conditions at altitude created a high risk for carburetor icing. The failure to utilize adequate carburetor heat during the idle descent was a critical factor in the loss of engine power.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to apply sufficient carburetor heat during an extended descent, which resulted in carburetor ice accumulation and subsequent engine power loss.
What happened in the 28 Apr 1990 Cessna 172D accident near Isla Grande, PR?
An airplane lost engine power during a long descent at 4,500 feet because the pilot failed to use enough carburetor heat. The crew ditched the plane short of the airport in conditions favorable for ice formation.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Apr 1990 involved a Cessna 172D, registration N2670U, operated by Flores, Eusebio, at Isla Grande, PR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to apply sufficient carburetor heat during an extended descent, which resulted in carburetor ice accumulation and subsequent engine power loss.
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