Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN10LA586

Deming, NM, USA

Aircraft #1

N9431B

CESSNA 175

Analysis

The pilot departed from a private airfield in order to ferry the airplane to an airport where maintenance facilities were located. During the initial climb, the engine lost power, and the pilot elected to land on the remaining runway. The airplane landed hard. A reason for the loss of engine power was not found during a postaccident examination of the airplane. A review of the carburetor icing probability chart in the Federal Aviation Administration's Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 revealed that the airplane was not operating in conditions favorable for the formation of carburetor icing.

Factual Information

On September 29, 2010, about 1300 central daylight time, a Cessna 175, N9431B, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from a private airfield near Deming, New Mexico. The commercial rated pilot, the sole occupant, received serious injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged during the accident. The aircraft was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. In order to conduct maintenance on the aircraft at his facilities, the mechanic/commercial pilot planned to ferry the airplane from the private airstrip. However, just after takeoff, the engine lost power and the pilot elected to conduct a forced landing on the remaining runway. During the forced landing the airplane experienced a hard landing. The airplane sustained structural damage to the engine firewall. A visual examination of the engine and airframe by the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector, failed to reveal any preimpact abnormalities. A review of the carburetor icing probability chart, located in the FAA's Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, dated 6/30/2009, revealed that the airplane was not operating in an area favorable for the formation of carburetor icing.

Probable Cause and Findings

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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