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Engine Surge During Cruise Forces Landing, Aircraft Overturns After Striking Embankment (N49215)

Christianburg, VA, US

On December 9, 1993, a Cessna 152 (registration N49215) operated by College OF West Virginia was involved in an aviation accident near Christianburg, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper use of carburetor heat which prevented the accumulation of carburetor ice and resulted in the loss of engine power. A factor was unsuitable terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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

While cruising at 6,500 ft, the pilot experienced engine surging and power loss. Application of carburetor heat stopped the surging but not the power loss. A forced landing was made on rolling terrain; during landing, the airplane struck an embankment and flipped over.

Sequence of Events

During cruise at 6,500 feet, the pilot reported that the engine began to surge and lose revolutions per minute (RPM). The pilot applied carburetor heat, which stopped the surging but did not prevent the ongoing loss of power. With insufficient engine power, the pilot initiated a forced landing on rolling terrain.

After touchdown, the airplane became momentarily airborne again before colliding with an embankment and flipping over.

Post-Accident Engine Test

Following the accident, the engine was test run and operated satisfactorily, indicating no mechanical failure was present after the event.

Icing Conditions

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) carburetor icing probability chart, the temperature of 56°F and dewpoint of 34°F placed the conditions into an area of serious icing at glide power settings.

FAA Assessment

The FAA stated that there were no suitable forced landing areas in the vicinity of the accident.

Icing

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Dec 1993 Cessna 152 accident near Christianburg, VA?

While cruising at 6,500 ft, the pilot experienced engine surging and power loss. Application of carburetor heat stopped the surging but not the power loss. A forced landing was made on rolling terrain; during landing, the airplane struck an embankment and flipped over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Dec 1993 involved a Cessna 152, registration N49215, operated by College OF West Virginia, at Christianburg, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper use of carburetor heat which prevented the accumulation of carburetor ice and resulted in the loss of engine power. A factor was unsuitable terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13911. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.