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Engine Failure During Banner Tow Leads to Forced Landing in Trees (N5634K)

Jim Thorpe, PA, US

On November 2, 1991, a Maule M5-235C (registration N5634K) operated by Kutztown Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Jim Thorpe, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT, RESULTING IN CARBURETOR ICE AND A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING IN TREES. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL AIRPLANE. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane towing a banner experienced an engine failure, forcing the pilot to land in trees. The pilot did not use carburetor heat, and post-accident examination found no engine discrepancies. Conditions were favorable for carburetor icing.

Incident Overview

A banner-towing airplane experienced a loss of engine power during flight, prompting the pilot to execute a forced landing into trees. The pilot reported being unable to restart the engine.

Pilot Actions and Conditions

The pilot stated that he did not use carburetor heat during the flight. At the time of the incident, the ambient temperature was 62°F and the dew point was 52°F. According to the FAA carburetor icing probability chart, these conditions are conducive to the formation of carburetor ice.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical discrepancies or malfunctions that could explain the loss of power.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had accumulated a total of 15 hours of flight time in the specific make and model of the accident airplane.

Icing

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Nov 1991 Maule M5-235C accident near Jim Thorpe, PA?

An airplane towing a banner experienced an engine failure, forcing the pilot to land in trees. The pilot did not use carburetor heat, and post-accident examination found no engine discrepancies. Conditions were favorable for carburetor icing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Nov 1991 involved a Maule M5-235C, registration N5634K, operated by Kutztown Aviation, at Jim Thorpe, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT, RESULTING IN CARBURETOR ICE AND A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING IN TREES. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL AIRPLANE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18511. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.