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Pilot Reports Carburetor Icing in Forced Landing After Low Altitude Maneuver in Mountains (N5375R)

Healy, AK, US

On August 30, 2006, a Cessna 172 (registration N5375R) operated by Bruce A. Carter was involved in an aviation accident near Healy, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance while maneuvering, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors associated with the accident were rising terrain, and the pilot's low altitude flight. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot conducting a personal flight with two passengers performed a forced landing after failing to out-climb rising terrain. The pilot reported possible carburetor icing but no mechanical issues.

Accident Overview

A private pilot was conducting a personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, carrying two passengers in an area of mountainous terrain. While maneuvering, the pilot realized the aircraft was too low and initiated a climb. Unable to out-climb the rising terrain, the pilot selected a forced landing site.

Pilot Report

In a written report to the NTSB, the pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. However, he noted that carburetor icing may have been present at the time of the accident.

Weather Information

The pilot reported the following weather conditions at the time of the accident: wind from 180 degrees at 10 knots; visibility greater than 50 miles; ceiling and cloud conditions clear; temperature 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage during the forced landing.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Aug 2006 Cessna 172 accident near Healy, AK?

A private pilot conducting a personal flight with two passengers performed a forced landing after failing to out-climb rising terrain. The pilot reported possible carburetor icing but no mechanical issues.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Aug 2006 involved a Cessna 172, registration N5375R, operated by Bruce A. Carter, at Healy, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance while maneuvering, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors associated with the accident were rising terrain, and the pilot's low altitude flight.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061005X01465. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.