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Casualties unknown

Private Pilot's Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss Ends in Collision with Trees (N2629U)

Stephenville, TX, US

On February 15, 2007, a Cessna 172B (registration N2629U) operated by David E. Earley Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Stephenville, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power during the landing approach due to the pilot's failure to follow the appropriate procedures to preclude carburetor ice in known carburetor icing conditions. 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

A private pilot reported engine power loss during landing approach, attempted forced landing, collided with trees, resulting in right wing separation and inverted rest. Pilot suspected carburetor icing.

Accident Details

A private pilot experienced a loss of engine power while reducing power during the landing approach. The pilot was unable to restart the engine and determined that gliding to the airport was not possible. A forced landing was attempted in a field, but the airplane collided with trees prior to landing. The impact caused the right wing to separate from the fuselage, and the aircraft came to rest inverted.

Pilot's Report

In the pilot's report to the National Transportation Safety Board, the block asking "Was there mechanical malfunction/failure?" was marked as "Unknown." In the recommendations section, the pilot wrote: "I believe I had carb ice—I think if I would not have reduced power to idle this would have prevented the accident."

Weather Conditions

The temperature and dew point at the accident site were recorded as 28°F and 19°F, respectively. An icing probability chart indicates that this combination is likely to produce moderate carburetor icing at idle power.

Icing

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Feb 2007 Cessna 172B accident near Stephenville, TX?

A private pilot reported engine power loss during landing approach, attempted forced landing, collided with trees, resulting in right wing separation and inverted rest. Pilot suspected carburetor icing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Feb 2007 involved a Cessna 172B, registration N2629U, operated by David E. Earley Jr., at Stephenville, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of engine power during the landing approach due to the pilot's failure to follow the appropriate procedures to preclude carburetor ice in known carburetor icing conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070306X00257. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.