Accident Overview
On September 6, 2009, at 1530 central daylight time, a Cessna 170A, registration N9129A, experienced a loss of engine power while approaching Grain Valley Airport (3GV) in Grain Valley, Missouri. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during a forced landing to runway 23, a 2,200-foot by 50-foot asphalt surface. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight, departing Blakesburg, Iowa, at 1405. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported climbing to 2,500 feet mean sea level for the en route cruise, with a total flight time of about 1 hour 15 minutes. Approximately 5 miles from 3GV, the pilot announced on the Unicom frequency an intention to enter a left downwind pattern for runway 05. About 2–3 miles from the airport, the engine began losing power. The pilot described the engine as “just starting winding down,” and he broadcast a distress call on Unicom, stating he would attempt a straight-in landing to runway 23. About 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the runway, the engine lost complete power. To manage altitude, the pilot performed a slip. He crossed the runway threshold at approximately 70 mph and noted that with a tailwind, the airplane covered the runway distance rapidly. Around midfield, he eased the yoke forward to touch down, causing a wheel hop. The engine briefly restarted but quit soon after. The airplane landed hard and skidded to a stop. The pilot stated he did not recall applying carburetor heat.
Aircraft Examination
An airworthiness inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration examined the airplane. The fuel tanks contained fuel, and the fuel system showed no anomalies. The carburetor was removed and disassembled, revealing a slight amount of contamination. A compression check found all cylinders with 70/80 psi or better. The magnetos were checked, and each spark plug was producing spark.
Weather Conditions
The 1505 surface weather observation at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC), approximately 19 nautical miles west of 3GV, recorded a temperature of 23°C and a dew point of 16°C. According to the Transport Canada Carburetor Icing Chart, these conditions indicated potential for moderate icing at cruise power or serious icing at descent power.