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Engine Power Loss During Initial Climb Leads to Emergency Landing in Soybean Field (N6474A)

Wheatfield, IN, US

On September 30, 1998, a Cessna 182 (registration N6474A) was involved in an aviation accident near Wheatfield, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to apply carburetor heat when the engine lost power. Factors associated with the accident were the carburetor icing conditions which prevailed, the low altitude at which the loss of power occurred, and the soybean crop in which the… 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

During initial climb at about 130 feet, the engine lost power. The pilot performed an emergency landing in a soybean field, collapsing the nose gear. Inspection found no mechanical failure. The pilot mistakenly applied cabin heat instead of carburetor heat.

Accident Overview

The pilot reported that the engine lost power during the initial takeoff climb at an altitude of approximately 130 feet above ground level. Faced with a sudden loss of power, the pilot executed an emergency landing in a soybean field. During the landing, the nose gear collapsed.

Post-Incident Inspection

A thorough inspection of the airplane was conducted after the event. The examination failed to reveal any mechanical failure or malfunction that would have caused the loss of engine power.

Weather Conditions

Weather observations from South Bend, Indiana, located 46 miles northeast of the accident site, reported a temperature and dewpoint of 59 degrees Fahrenheit. This combination of temperature and dewpoint is conducive to serious icing conditions at cruise power settings.

Pilot Actions

The pilot stated that when the power loss occurred, he inadvertently applied the cabin heat control instead of the carburetor heat control.

Engine failureIcing

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Sept 1998 Cessna 182 accident near Wheatfield, IN?

During initial climb at about 130 feet, the engine lost power. The pilot performed an emergency landing in a soybean field, collapsing the nose gear. Inspection found no mechanical failure. The pilot mistakenly applied cabin heat instead of carburetor heat.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Sept 1998 Cessna 182 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Sept 1998 involved a Cessna 182, registration N6474A, at Wheatfield, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to apply carburetor heat when the engine lost power. Factors associated with the accident were the carburetor icing conditions which prevailed, the low altitude at which the loss of power occurred, and the soybean crop in which the airplane was landed.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11033. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.