# NTSB investigations: Continental C85 series: Loss of engine power

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 2 · 56 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB MIA06LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA06LA118.md): Ercoupe 415C · Panacea, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 2006 · N99355 · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the airplane descending and impacting trees during the approach. A possible contributing factor was the pilot's pre-existing cardiovascular condition.
- [NTSB DFW06LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06LA007.md): Cessna 140 · Big Flat, AR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 16, 2005 · N72901 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
- [NTSB ANC05LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC05LA118.md): Taylorcraft BC12D-85 · Wasilla, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 9, 2005 · N5616M · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power for an unknown reason while maneuvering, which precipitated an emergency descent and landing, and resulted in an in-flight collision with power lines and trees. A factor associated with the accident was the power lines.
- [NTSB ANC05LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC05LA053.md): Cessna 140 · Denali Park, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 30, 2005 · N2204N · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power during takeoff and cruise flight for an undetermined reason, which resulted in an emergency descent/landing, and collision with trees.
- [NTSB SEA04LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA084.md): Piper J4/E · Bigfork, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 18, 2004 · N37982 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion while in cruise flight as a result of inadequate preflight planning / preparation. Factors contributing to the accident were the short landing field and trees.
- [NTSB FTW04LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04LA065.md): Cessna 120 · Lonoke, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 26, 2004 · N1961V · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the dusk lighting conditions and unlit airfield.
- [NTSB SEA03LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA002.md): Gentry Vari-Eze · Shine, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 2002 · N24BG · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during cruise. Trees and objects near the roadway were factors.
- [NTSB FTW02LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02LA168.md): Ercoupe ERCO-415-E · Conway, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 2002 · N94769 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Factors were the pilots necessity to avoid a power line during the emergency descent and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB CHI02LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02LA118.md): Cessna 120 · Racine, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 2002 · N6RP · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate weather evaluation and delayed application of carburetor heat by the pilot, and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. The carburetor icing conditions and the low altitude were factors.
- [NTSB CHI01LA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA160.md): Cessna 140 · La Porte, IN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 2001 · N89320 · Substantial damage
  > the inadequate planned approach by the pilot. Contributing factors were the fuel starvation and tailwind.
- [NTSB LAX01LA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA089.md): Arthur Dragonfly · Marana, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 2, 2001 · N29KK · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the rough/uneven terrain.
- [NTSB CHI01LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA023.md): Ercoupe 415-E · Minier, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 23, 2000 · N94176 · Substantial damage
  > the carburetor ice and after takeoff, the unsuitable terrain the pilot encountered during the forced landing. Factors were the carburetor icing conditions and the plowed field condition.
- [NTSB CHI98LA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA233.md): Wicks FLY Baby · Blissfield, MI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 1998 · N40349 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's misjudging of the fuel supply and his inadequate aircraft preflight. A factor was fuel exhaustion,
- [NTSB FTW98FA291](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA291.md): Cessna 140A · Edgewood, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 1998 · N9689A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain minimum required airspeed for flight. Factors were the worn fuel line, which separated, and the failure of the maintenance personnel to locate the worn fuel line during the annual inspection.
- [NTSB CHI98LA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA227.md): Commonwealth 185 · Oregon, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 1998 · N92997 · Substantial damage
  > the improper adjustment of the carburetor by an unqualified person. Factors to the accident were the annual inspection not being complied with and the lack of recent experience of the pilot.
- [NTSB ATL98LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA077.md): Cessna 140 · Holt, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 22, 1998 · N2102N · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the unsuitable terrain.
- [NTSB ATL98LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA035.md): Piper J5-A · Vero Beach, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 20, 1998 · N38645 · Substantial damage
  > loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB IAD97LA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97LA119.md): Luscombe LL-8-F · Carrollton, OH · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 1997 · N1871K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight which resulted in fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB CHI97LA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA101.md): Aeronca 7CCM · Carson, ND · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 9, 1997 · N85257 · Substantial damage
  > a loss of engine power due to ice in the fuel line. A factor was inadequate maintenance and inspection.
- [NTSB SEA96FA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96FA185.md): Aeronca 7CCM · Marsing, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 1996 · N2836E · Substantial damage
  > loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB MIA96LA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96LA178.md): Cessna 140 · Holt, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 1996 · N2102N · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s) during a go-around, which result in the aircraft being unable to climb above trees at the departure end of the runway.
- [NTSB ATL96LA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL96LA097.md): Cessna 140 · Jacksboro, TN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 1996 · N72438 · Substantial damage
  > loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), which resutled in a forced landing and subsequent in-flight collision with trees and the terrain.
- [NTSB ATL96FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL96FA006.md): Luscombe 8E · Picayune, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 1995 · N71590 · Substantial damage
  > a worn left magneto distributor gear, which resulted in a loss of engine power; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the ground.
- [NTSB FTW95LA365](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA365.md): Funk, D.D. B-85C · Grants, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1995 · N89V · Destroyed
  > a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
- [NTSB LAX95LA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA212.md): Tupta-Smith Miniplane DSA-1 · Pacoima, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 1995 · N8510 · Substantial damage
  > fuel contamination.
- [NTSB FTW95LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA108.md): Craighead Corben JR. ACE · Athens, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 1995 · N30CK · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
- [NTSB LAX95LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA054.md): Cessna 120 · Torrance, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 1994 · N89885 · Substantial damage
  > A blockage in the carburetor heat air duct which limited the effectiveness of the system's ability to prevent the formation of carburetor ice and resulted in a loss of power. A factor in the accident was the soft nature of the recently plowed ground in the…
- [NTSB BFO94LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94LA158.md): Cessna 140 · Ravenswood, WV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 30, 1994 · N2150N · Substantial damage
  > The poorly planned approach which resulted in unporting of fuel from the left fuel tank and loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB LAX94LA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA170.md): Aeronca 7BCM · Santa Paula, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 25, 1994 · N6434C · Substantial damage
  > the existing meteorological conditions that were conducive to carburetor icing.
- [NTSB LAX94LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA094.md): Cessna 140 · Warner Springs, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 14, 1994 · N140KT · Substantial damage
  > a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CHI94LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA023.md): Cessna 140 · Frankenmuth, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 1993 · N73003 · Substantial damage
  > Improper use of the mixture control by the pilot. Factors related to the accident were: the similarity of shape, size, and color of the mixture and carburetor heat controls and the terrain condition (with crop) in the emergency landing area.
- [NTSB LAX93LA358](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA358.md): Luscombe 8E · Napa, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 1993 · N2485K · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. The rough/uneven terrain was a factor in this accident.
- [NTSB ANC93LA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC93LA150.md): Aeronca 11AC · Galena, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 1993 · N86361 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain on which to make a forced landing.
- [NTSB SEA93LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93LA063.md): Cessna 140 · Salem, OR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 5, 1993 · N2019N · Substantial damage
  > A complete loss of power for undetermined reasons. Factors include unsuitable terrain, and trees surrounding the forced landing site.
- [NTSB MIA93FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA93FA051.md): Cessna 140 · Niceville, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 18, 1993 · N89968 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons over terrain that was not suitable for the subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB CHI92LA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA295.md): Funk, D.D. B85C · Buffalo, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 1992 · N1609N · Substantial damage
  > The contamination of the carburetor, inadequate maintenance inspection by maintenance personnel, and the inadequate maintenance servicing by the pilot/owner.
- [NTSB SEA92LA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA217.md): Cessna 140 · Moab, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 1992 · N2553N · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion resulting from inaccurate fuel consumption calculations by the pilot. A factor relating to the accident was the terrain condition (ditch) in the landing area.
- [NTSB ATL92LA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92LA175.md): Cessna 140 · Blairsville, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 1992 · N2059V · Substantial damage
  > A complete loss of engine power which resulted from two stuck exhaust valves.
- [NTSB CHI92LA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA225.md): Aeronca 7AC · Whitman, NE · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 2, 1992 · N84228 · Substantial damage
  > Water contamination in the fuel and low magneto output.
- [NTSB CHI92LA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA165.md): Cessna 140 · Howard, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 1992 · N2776N · Substantial damage
  > An inadequate preflight inspection by the pilot in command and a loss of engine power from contaminated fuel.
- [NTSB ATL92LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92LA027.md): Piper J-3 · Statesville, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 1991 · N35535 · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of a suitable landing site.
- [NTSB MIA91LA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91LA184.md): Cessna 120 · Pocahontas, MS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1991 · N77411 · Substantial damage
  > Partial loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons and in-flight collision with a power line during an emergency descent for a forced landing.
- [NTSB LAX91LA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA294.md): Cessna 140 · Montague, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 1991 · N3160N · Substantial damage
  > The failure of an exhaust valve in the engine.
- [NTSB MKC90LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA036.md): Burdette Cuby PA-11 · Ashland, KS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 22, 1989 · N99615 · Substantial damage
  > An undetermined problem with the fuel system, which resulted in a loss of engine power, and operation of the aircraft by the pilot with the known deficiency. The uneven (terraced) terrain was a contributing factor.
- [NTSB BFO89LA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA051.md): Cessna 140 · Bridgeport, WV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 1989 · N1975N · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power because of fuel starvation. Fuel starvation occurred because of unporting of fuel from the tank outlet when the aircraft was in a slip attitude shortly before the power loss. A contributing factor is inadequate information in the…
- [NTSB MIA89LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA036.md): Piper J3C · Homestead, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 25, 1988 · N26820 · Substantial damage
  > The plt rprtd that while climbing at night after takeoff, the eng sputtered. He suspected possible water in the fuel & landed across rows in a field. Drg the landing, the gear failed & the acft came to rest on its belly with a bent prop, torn fabric & dmgd…
- [NTSB LAX87DVM04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DVM04.md): Rand KR-2 · Watsonville, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Jun 27, 1987 · N75JL · Destroyed
  > Shortly after take-off on runway 19, the engine began 'sputtering' and losing power. The pilot tried adjusting mixture and throttle controls. The engine continued 'sputtering' and losing power and the pilot initiated an emergency descent. Having gained no…
- [NTSB NYC87LA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA116.md): Ercoupe 415D · Warwick, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 5, 1987 · N2833H · Substantial damage
  > The flight was on approach for landing on runway 3 at Warwick airport when the engine started to sputter. The pilot continued to pump the throttle but overshot the runway and landed in a swamp. It was not determined what caused the loss of power to the engine.
- [NTSB DEN84LA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA287.md): Cessna 140 · Belgrade, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 1984 · N2628N · Substantial damage
  > The plt stated that during the takeoff ground roll on the grass airstrip the engine did not seem to produce full power when 2/3 the way down the rwy. Plt applied brakes to abort the takeoff before the tailwheel was on the ground. The acft nosed over.
- [NTSB SEA83FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83FA058.md): Cessna 140 · Moses Lake, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 3, 1983 · N89050 · Destroyed
  > The flight originated at the pilots private farm strip. The pilot stated that during the flight the engine 'sputtered and died'. During a power off landing attempt the passenger grabbed the controls according to the pilot. The pilot said he fought for control…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?engine=17008&occurrence=350&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('17008')
    AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND o.aircrafts_position = x.position AND o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 350))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?engine=17008&occurrence=350

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