Casualties unknown

1994-12-19: Cessna 120 (N89885) — William R. Wood — Torrance, CA

Torrance, CA, US

On December 19, 1994, a Cessna 120 (registration N89885) operated by William R. Wood was involved in an aviation accident near Torrance, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A blockage in the carburetor heat air duct which limited the effectiveness of the system's ability to prevent the formation of carburetor ice and resulted in a loss of power. 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

A pilot performing touch-and-go operations lost engine power shortly after lift-off. The aircraft overran the runway and nosed over after encountering soft dirt. Examination revealed a crimped duct hose and conditions conducive to carburetor icing.

Incident Overview

A pilot was conducting touch-and-go pattern operations at an airport. Shortly after lifting off from runway 29R, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a landing on the same runway but determined that insufficient pavement remained to bring the aircraft to a stop. The aircraft subsequently overran the end of the runway and nosed over upon encountering soft, recently plowed dirt.

Pilot Actions

Following the incident, the pilot examined the engine compartment. He discovered that the duct hose from the heat box to the carburetor was crimped, which blocked the flow of hot air to the carburetor. The pilot suspected that carburetor ice caused the engine power loss.

Post-Incident Findings

An examination of the engine revealed no discrepancies. The crimped duct hose was identified as the only anomaly in the engine compartment.

Weather Conditions

The temperature at the airport was 58°F with a dew point of 51°F. A review of a carburetor icing probability chart indicated that these conditions fell within an area marked 'SERIOUS ICING -- CRUISE OR CLIMB POWER.'

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02749. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.