On February 16, 2005, a Cessna 172 (registration N3985F) was involved in an aviation accident near Montrose, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper in-flight planning during the descent which resulted in partial loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
While descending near a mountain canyon, the engine lost partial power and the pilot initiated an emergency landing into trees. The airplane stalled and impacted snow-covered terrain. Carburetor heat was found in the OFF position.
Incident Overview
During a descent in a mountain canyon area, the aircraft's engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot reported that the engine lost approximately seventy-five percent of its power, and due to being too far into the canyon to reverse course, he initiated an emergency landing into an area of trees. Subsequently, the airplane stalled and impacted the snow-covered terrain.
Pilot Observations
The pilot stated that the aircraft did not have a lot of power to begin with and that he had experienced icing problems in the past. He believed that icing was the cause of the power loss. According to the Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, the atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to "Serious Icing at Cruise Power."
Wreckage Examination
A review of the wreckage revealed that the carburetor heat was found in the OFF position.
What happened in the 16 Feb 2005 Cessna 172 accident near Montrose, CO?
While descending near a mountain canyon, the engine lost partial power and the pilot initiated an emergency landing into trees. The airplane stalled and impacted snow-covered terrain. Carburetor heat was found in the OFF position.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Feb 2005 involved a Cessna 172, registration N3985F, at Montrose, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's improper in-flight planning during the descent which resulted in partial loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to select carburetor heat during the descent and unsuitable terrain for the forced landing.
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