Casualties unknown

1992-03-31: Cessna 140 (N3047N) — Robert E. Martin, Jr. — Palmer, MA

Palmer, MA, US

On March 31, 1992, a Cessna 140 (registration N3047N) operated by Robert E. Martin, Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT WHICH RESULTED IN A POWER LOSS DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE OVER UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS AND THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO BE AWARE OF THE TEMPERATURE/DEWPOINT SPREAD. 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
Aircraft registered N3047N
Aircraft registered N3047N. Photo: Acroterion / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On final approach, a pilot added power to avoid landing short but the engine did not respond. The aircraft landed 500 ft short in mud and flipped over. Post-accident engine test showed no discrepancies. Weather conditions were conducive to serious carburetor icing.

Accident Overview

During final approach, the pilot observed that the aircraft would touch down short of the runway and added power. The engine did not respond to the throttle movement. The airplane subsequently landed approximately 500 feet short of the runway in a muddy area and flipped over.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the accident, the engine was run on the aircraft and no discrepancies were noted.

Weather Conditions

At a location 20 miles to the east, the temperature was recorded as 43°F and the dewpoint as 32°F. According to the FAA carburetor icing chart, this temperature and dewpoint combination was conducive to serious carburetor icing.

Pilot Interview

When interviewed, the pilot stated that he used carburetor heat on approach; however, he was not aware of the temperature and dewpoint spread.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14345. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.