No fatalities

Partial Power Loss During Initial Climb Results in Emergency Landing and Nose Gear Collapse

Roanoke, TX, United States

On May 8, 2009, a CESSNA 172N was involved in an aviation accident near Roanoke, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The partial loss of engine power due to a failure of the throttle control rod-end to carburetor arm hardware. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to fly the airplane without a current annual inspection. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb, the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power. The pilot performed an emergency landing in a field, during which the nose landing gear collapsed after impacting a rock. Post-accident examination revealed missing throttle control hardware and lack of annual inspection.

Accident Overview

During the initial climb phase, the single-engine airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and subsequently executed an emergency landing to a field. During the landing rollout, the airplane struck a rock, causing the nose landing gear to collapse. The airplane came to rest in a nose-down attitude, and the pilot exited the aircraft unassisted.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the accident, an examination of the airplane was conducted. The examination revealed that the firewall had sustained structural damage. Additionally, the throttle control rod-end to carburetor throttle arm hardware was missing. Further investigation disclosed that the airplane had not been inspected in accordance with an annual inspection during the previous year.

Pilot and Aircraft Information

The pilot was able to exit the aircraft without assistance. No further details about the pilot or aircraft were provided in the source.

Contributing factors

Causes

Engine controls — Failure

Other contributing factors

Pilot

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 May 2009 CESSNA 172N accident near Roanoke, TX?

During initial climb, the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power. The pilot performed an emergency landing in a field, during which the nose landing gear collapsed after impacting a rock. Post-accident examination revealed missing throttle control hardware and lack of annual inspection.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 May 2009 CESSNA 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 May 2009 involved a CESSNA 172N, at Roanoke, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The partial loss of engine power due to a failure of the throttle control rod-end to carburetor arm hardware. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to fly the airplane without a current annual inspection.