No fatalities

Glacier Landing Results in Nose-Over After Engine Power Loss

Cooper Landing, AK, United States

On April 30, 2014, a CESSNA 182J was involved in an aviation accident near Cooper Landing, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to correctly use carburetor heat, resulting in a loss of engine power and collision with terrain. 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

A pilot flying down a glacier at low power without carburetor heat experienced engine power loss, leading to a forced landing on a moraine and nose-over, with substantial damage to the aircraft.

Accident Sequence

The pilot reported flying down a glacier for an extended period with the throttle at a low power setting and the carburetor heat off. As the aircraft approached the toe of the glacier, the pilot attempted to add power to level the airplane, but the engine did not respond. With altitude running out, the pilot executed a landing on the glacier moraine. During the landing, the airplane nosed over, causing substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

Aircraft and Mechanical Condition

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The aircraft had not experienced any known issues prior to the flight.

Weather and Carburetor Icing Conditions

According to the recorded temperature and dew point at the time of the accident, the ambient conditions were favorable for serious carburetor icing at descent power. The combination of the low power setting and the environmental conditions created a high risk for ice formation in the carburetor, which can restrict airflow and cause engine power loss.

Pilot Actions

The pilot did not complete and submit NTSB Form 6120.1, which is the official accident report form. The reason for this omission is not specified in the source.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotIncorrect use/operation

Other contributing factors

Effect on equipment