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Engine Power Loss on Final Approach Leads to Forced Landing and Inverted Rest (N4723D)

Midland, TX, US

On January 25, 1997, a Cessna 182A (registration N4723D) was involved in an aviation accident near Midland, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to periodically clear the engine during an extended glide. Factors were the carburetor icing weather conditions and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. 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 parachute jumping flight, the airplane lost engine power at 500 feet AGL on final approach. The pilot executed a forced landing to an unsuitable field, resulting in the aircraft coming to rest inverted. Carburetor icing conditions were present at the time.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting a parachute jumping flight experienced a loss of engine power while on final approach for landing. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing to a field that was deemed unsuitable, causing the airplane to come to rest in an inverted position.

Flight Details

The flight had ascended to an altitude of 12,500 feet MSL for the parachute jump. During the descent, the pilot utilized carburetor heat but did not 'clear' the engine at regular intervals—a practice recommended for power-off descents.

Power Loss Event

At approximately 500 feet AGL, the engine lost power. The pilot described the power loss as feeling similar to the mixture being pulled out to stop the engine. A review of carburetor icing charts indicated that the temperature and dew point reported by the National Weather Service at that time fell within the range conducive to carburetor icing.

Relevant Guidance

The FAA Flight Training Handbook, in the section covering 'Descents (Maximum Distance Glides),' advises that during power-off descents, the engine should be cleared periodically to prevent excessive cooling and fouling.

Engine failureIcing

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jan 1997 Cessna 182A accident near Midland, TX?

During a parachute jumping flight, the airplane lost engine power at 500 feet AGL on final approach. The pilot executed a forced landing to an unsuitable field, resulting in the aircraft coming to rest inverted. Carburetor icing conditions were present at the time.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jan 1997 involved a Cessna 182A, registration N4723D, at Midland, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to periodically clear the engine during an extended glide. Factors were the carburetor icing weather conditions and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07295. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.