1992-05-09: Cessna 180 — Ralph Wellborn — Kenai, AK

Casualties unknown • Kenai, AK, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT WAS ON THE BASE LEG FOR LANDING ON THE KENAI RIVER WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED PRODUCING POWER. HE WAS UNABLE TO GLIDE TO THE RIVER SO HE LANDED ON A ROAD. DURING THE FORCED LANDING SEQUENCE THE AIRPLANE STRUCK SOME TREES BEFORE LANDING ON THE ROAD. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE AND ENGINE SHOWED NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. THE PILOT STATED HE FELT IT WAS CARBURETOR ICE WHICH CAUSED THE POWER LOSS. HE WAS CARRYING ONLY 15 INCHES OF MANIFOLD PRESSURE DURING THE MANEUVERING AND TRAFFIC PATTERN AND HAD APPLIED CARBURETOR HEAT. HE DID NOT KNOW IF THE CARBURETOR HEAT WAS OPERATING.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-05-09 Cessna 180 accident near Kenai, AK?

THE PILOT WAS ON THE BASE LEG FOR LANDING ON THE KENAI RIVER WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED PRODUCING POWER. HE WAS UNABLE TO GLIDE TO THE RIVER SO HE LANDED ON A ROAD. DURING THE FORCED LANDING SEQUENCE THE AIRPLANE STRUCK SOME TREES BEFORE LANDING ON THE ROAD. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE AND ENGINE SHOWED NO MECHANICAL…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-05-09 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2940C, operated by Ralph Wellborn, at Kenai, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14540. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…