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Carburetor Icing Leads to Forced Landing During Simulated Power Loss (N9932Q)

Longbranch, WA, US

On October 8, 1993, a Cessna 172M (registration N9932Q) operated by Pavco Flight Center was involved in an aviation accident near Longbranch, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES. FACTORS INCLUDE CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS AND SOFT TERRAIN IN THE LANDING AREA. 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

During a pre-rent checkout flight, a simulated power loss led to an actual power loss during go-around, forcing a landing in a field where the aircraft flipped after nose gear failure.

Incident Overview

During a pre-rent checkout flight, the flight instructor initiated a simulated loss of power by pulling the throttle to idle. Carburetor heat was applied during the descent, and at one point during the maneuver, the instructor "cleared the throttle." When power was applied for a go-around near the end of the simulated maneuver, an almost complete loss of power was experienced. A forced landing was then attempted in a nearby field, and the aircraft flipped over after the nose gear broke off in the soft terrain.

Carburetor Icing Conditions

According to the carburetor icing probability chart (DOT/FAA/CT-82/44), the aircraft was being operated in an environment where serious icing may be expected to occur at glide power. The one application of power during the descent was not sufficient to ensure ice did not form in the carburetor throat.

Icing

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Oct 1993 Cessna 172M accident near Longbranch, WA?

During a pre-rent checkout flight, a simulated power loss led to an actual power loss during go-around, forcing a landing in a field where the aircraft flipped after nose gear failure.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Oct 1993 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9932Q, operated by Pavco Flight Center, at Longbranch, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES. FACTORS INCLUDE CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS AND SOFT TERRAIN IN THE LANDING AREA.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13662. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.