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Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss and Collision with Trees During Forced Landing (N8691T)

Hiddenite, NC, US

On June 21, 2007, a Cessna 182C (registration N8691T) operated by Walter N. Long, Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Hiddenite, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Carburetor icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Also causal, was the pilots' failure to maintain airspeed during the forced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. 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

About half an hour after engine startup, the engine lost power at an unknown altitude and location. The pilot(s) attempted a power-off glide to a grass airstrip. Prior to landing, the airplane struck tree branches 60-70 feet above ground, stalled, then hit the runway environment and tumbled.

Accident Sequence

The pilots took off, and approximately half an hour after engine startup, the engine lost power at an unknown altitude and location. It is unknown which pilot, or if both pilots, were at the controls. The pilot(s) attempted to stretch the power-off glide to a grass airstrip. Prior to landing, the airplane impacted small tree branches about 60-70 feet above the ground, then stalled, and subsequently struck the runway environment out of control and tumbled.

Investigation Findings

There was no evidence of any mechanical anomaly of the airframe or engine, and there was sufficient fuel onboard. An engine test cell run with the original carburetor, which had been damaged in the accident, resulted in a successful first start, and incremental increases of power to 2,400 rpm. Replacement of the original carburetor resulted in incremental increases of power to 2,680 rpm.

Carburetor Icing Analysis

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) icing probability chart indicated no probability of carburetor icing, while several non-FAA charts indicated a probability of carburetor icing at glide and cruise power. In addition, the Cessna 182 is prone to carburetor icing.

IcingAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jun 2007 Cessna 182C accident near Hiddenite, NC?

About half an hour after engine startup, the engine lost power at an unknown altitude and location. The pilot(s) attempted a power-off glide to a grass airstrip. Prior to landing, the airplane struck tree branches 60-70 feet above ground, stalled, then hit the runway environment and tumbled.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jun 2007 involved a Cessna 182C, registration N8691T, operated by Walter N. Long, Jr., at Hiddenite, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Carburetor icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Also causal, was the pilots' failure to maintain airspeed during the forced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070712X00923. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.