Casualties unknown

1998-01-09: Cessna 152 (N757CH) — Boyd, TX

Boyd, TX, US

On January 9, 1998, a Cessna 152 (registration N757CH) was involved in an aviation accident near Boyd, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: loss of engine power resulting from the pilot's delayed use of carburetor heat during serious carburetor icing conditions. Factors were: the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing and an evasive maneuver which led to an inadvertent stall. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During instrument training, a student pilot experienced a loss of engine power. The flight instructor took controls, applied carburetor heat, but power continued to drop. A forced landing resulted in a rough touchdown, followed by a stall and ground impact. Weather conditions were favorable for serious carburetor icing.

Incident Details

An instrument student was practicing standard rate descents and climbs at 500 feet per minute. The flight had descended from 3,000 feet MSL to 1,500 feet MSL with the power set at 2,000 RPM. When the student advanced the throttle to full power for the climb, the engine power did not increase. The flight instructor took the flight controls and applied carburetor heat; however, the power decreased through 1,500 RPM to 1,200 RPM.

A field was selected for a forced landing, but the terrain was rough. The airplane struck the ground and became airborne again. The flight instructor observed a powerline and fence ahead of the airplane. He flew the airplane under the powerline and over the fence. Subsequently, the airplane stalled and impacted the ground.

Weather Conditions

The National Weather Service reported the temperature was 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit with a dew point of 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of 61 percent. The icing probability curves indicated the conditions were favorable for serious carburetor icing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09428. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.