# NTSB ATL85LA141: Cessna 120, N1819V, Saluda, SC, April 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 19, 1985, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Saluda, SC
- Coordinates: 33.999706, -81.770629 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9997&lon=-81.7706&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6780
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA141
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6780/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA141

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - checklist - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT ATTEMPTED A TAKEOFF WITH THE CARB HEAT IN THE 'ON' POSITION. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, DURING INITIAL CLIMB THE ACFT LOST POWER AND HE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE. THE PLT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A PASTURE ABOUT 1 MI. FROM THE AIRPORT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1819V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1819V), registered now, S/N 14004, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 120
- Registry model: [Cessna 120](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-120) (registry code 2071402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 14004
- Airframe hours: 2200
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Branan W. Mitchell
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: SC26, SALUDA, SC
- Destination: T73, LANCASTER, SC
- Airport: SC26, Ethridge

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 494 total, 494 in this make and model, 451 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CAE, 50 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850419015029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850419015029A), Apr 19, 1985: Cessna 120, Saluda, SC, Substantial damage. Lost power after carburetor heat was turned off on initial climb. Landed in field. 2 valves leaking compression.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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