No fatalities

Student Pilot Makes Off-Airport Landing After Engine Power Loss (N40059)

Lakewood, NJ, US

On October 24, 2002, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N40059) was involved in an aviation accident near Lakewood, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper use of carburetor heat which resulted in a failure to remove carburetor ice, and loss of engine power. A factor was the carburetor icing conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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

A student pilot lost engine power after briefly applying carburetor heat during a solo flight, prompting an off-airport landing. The pilot had strayed beyond the instructed 5-mile radius and became disoriented.

Flight Details

A student pilot completed a dual instruction flight and received permission from the flight instructor to conduct a solo flight. The instructor advised the student to remain within 5 miles of the departure airport. However, the student strayed beyond this distance.

Sequence of Events

During the flight, the instructor established radio contact with the student pilot, who reported that he did not know his location. While descending from 3,500 feet to 2,000 feet approximately 7 miles southeast of the airport, the student applied carburetor heat. Shortly thereafter, the engine began to run rough. The student then turned off the carburetor heat, after which the engine lost power.

The student pilot subsequently stated that he did not leave the carburetor heat on long enough to dissipate accumulated ice.

Aftermath

The student performed an off-airport landing. No further details were provided regarding aircraft damage or injuries.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Oct 2002 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Lakewood, NJ?

A student pilot lost engine power after briefly applying carburetor heat during a solo flight, prompting an off-airport landing. The pilot had strayed beyond the instructed 5-mile radius and became disoriented.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Oct 2002 Piper PA-28-161 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Oct 2002 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N40059, at Lakewood, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper use of carburetor heat which resulted in a failure to remove carburetor ice, and loss of engine power. A factor was the carburetor icing conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021112X05457. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.