Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Executes Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss, Aircraft Nose Over (N567QL)

Belcher, LA, US

On November 20, 2000, a Cessna 172K (registration N567QL) was involved in an aviation accident near Belcher, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the total loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. Contributing factors were the weather conditions conducive to carburetor icing and the lack of suitable terrain available 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

While returning from practice maneuvers, a student pilot experienced decreasing engine RPM. Despite using carburetor heat, power continued to drop. A forced landing in a muddy field resulted in the aircraft nosing over and coming to rest inverted.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was returning to the airport after practicing maneuvers in the local practice area when a steady decrease in engine RPM was noticed. The pilot pulled the carburetor heat control, but the power continued to decrease. After attempts to restart the engine failed, the pilot executed a forced landing to a muddy field. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.

Conditions

The temperature and dewpoint at the time of the accident were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power.

Sequence of Events

  • While en route back to the airport, the pilot observed a steady drop in engine RPM.
  • The carburetor heat was applied, but the power loss continued.
  • Restart attempts were unsuccessful.
  • A forced landing was made to a muddy field.
  • During the landing roll, the aircraft nosed over and ended up inverted.

Findings

The investigation noted the environment was favorable for carburetor icing under the power condition at the time.

Conclusion

The source does not provide a probable cause. The aircraft came to rest inverted after the forced landing.

--- *Note: This article is based solely on the provided source and does not include any inferred or additional information.*

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Nov 2000 Cessna 172K accident near Belcher, LA?

While returning from practice maneuvers, a student pilot experienced decreasing engine RPM. Despite using carburetor heat, power continued to drop. A forced landing in a muddy field resulted in the aircraft nosing over and coming to rest inverted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Nov 2000 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N567QL, at Belcher, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the total loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. Contributing factors were the weather conditions conducive to carburetor icing and the lack of suitable terrain available for the forced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22290. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.