# NTSB ATL89FA005: Cessna 120, N77458, Monroe, GA, October 5, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 5, 1988, 16:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Monroe, GA
- Coordinates: 33.789718, -83.709098 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7897&lon=-83.7091&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report January 4, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7854
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89FA005
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7854/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA005

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS RETURNING TO LAND WHEN HE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THE PILOT REPORTED COMPLETING A BEFORE LANDING CHECK AND RECHECKED THE CARBURETOR HEAT FOLLOWING THE INITIAL POWER LOSS. THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS WERE TYPICAL OF CARBURETOR ICE FAILURES. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION WHICH WOULD HAVE PREVENTED NORMAL OPERATION. HOWEVER, THE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED CRACKS IN THE MUFFLER ASSEMBLY. THE PILOT REPORTEDLY USED THE CABIN HEAT DURING THIS SHORT FLIGHT. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE HAD GOOD VENTILATION WITH THE WINDOWS CLOSED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N77458](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N77458-1991-02-07), registration cancelled 1991-02-07, S/N 11902 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 120
- Registry model: [Cessna 120](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-120) (registry code 2071402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 11902
- Airframe hours: 2624
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Barnes/Culpepper
- Registered owner: David G Culpepper
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1988, 42 hours before
- Departed: PIM, PINE MOUNTAIN, GA
- Destination: MONROE, GA
- Airport: Aerie

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,456 total, 349 in this make and model, 2,318 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19881005044519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881005044519A), Oct 5, 1988: Cessna 120, Monroe, GA, Destroyed. Returning to airport engine quit. Crash landed near runway. Appears had stretched glide. Muffler in bad repair.

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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