Casualties unknown

Carburetor Heat Control Jammed Off During Forced Landing on Grass Strip (N2229B)

Lebanon, IL, US

On September 6, 1990, a Luscombe 8A (registration N2229B) operated by Stephen K. Raney was involved in an aviation accident near Lebanon, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons while executing a go-around with insufficient runway remaining for a forced landing. A factor in the accident was the structures at the end of the runway that the pilot was attempting to avoid. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft nosed over after landing long on a private grass strip following an engine power loss during a go-around. The carburetor heat control was jammed in the off position.

Synopsis

The pilot was landing at a private grass strip. Witnesses described the approach as hot and high. The engine lost power when the pilot attempted to execute a go-around. The pilot landed long, applied maximum braking to avoid structures at the end of the runway, and the airplane nosed over.

Investigation

The investigation indicated that the carburetor heat control was jammed in the off position. The pilot stated that he pulled the carburetor heat control to the off position to cycle it, along with the mixture, during his unsuccessful attempt to restart the engine. He left the carburetor heat control in the off position to concentrate on the forced landing from a low altitude. The airplane was placarded with a caution that carburetor heat was required for takeoffs and landings.

Carburetor Icing Assessment

There was a slight risk of light carburetor icing based on temperature and dew point values. However, with the high atmospheric temperature (97 degrees), a sudden, maximum temperature drop of 60 degrees would have resulted in a carburetor temperature above freezing (37 degrees).

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Sept 1990 Luscombe 8A accident near Lebanon, IL?

An aircraft nosed over after landing long on a private grass strip following an engine power loss during a go-around. The carburetor heat control was jammed in the off position.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Sept 1990 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N2229B, operated by Stephen K. Raney, at Lebanon, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons while executing a go-around with insufficient runway remaining for a forced landing. A factor in the accident was the structures at the end of the runway that the pilot was attempting to avoid. This report was modified on February 9, 2005.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24222. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.