Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss Leads to Forced Landing; Post-Crash Inspection Reveals Crushed Carburetor Air Box (N97984)

Maple Lake, MN, US

On October 17, 1991, a Cessna 172P (registration N97984) operated by Crystal Shamrock, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Maple Lake, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a total loss of engine power while climbing through 1,500 feet AGL. The engine could not be restarted, leading to a forced landing in a plowed field. Investigation found ample fuel and no mechanical anomalies; the carburetor air box was crushed.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported a total loss of engine power while climbing through 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL). Unable to restart the engine, the pilot executed a forced landing in a plowed field. The pilot noted that the engine had operated normally for the preceding 30 minutes of flight.

Post-Crash Inspection

A post-crash inspection was conducted, which confirmed that ample fuel was available and no mechanical anomalies were present in either the engine or the airframe. However, the carburetor air box was found to have been crushed during the accident sequence. Once the damaged air box was replaced, the engine ran normally without any issues.

Weather and Icing Considerations

Icing probability charts for the existing weather conditions indicated that the likelihood of carburetor icing was minimal at the time of the incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18268. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.