# NTSB ATL97LA120: Cessna 152, N6270H, Dunlap, TN, August 10, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 10, 1997, 16:00 local (20:00 UTC) - Place: Dunlap, TN - Coordinates: 35.370738, -85.379188 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3707&lon=-85.3792&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 24, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 3888 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL97LA120 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3888/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA120 ## Probable cause a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, cruise - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - In flight collision with object, emergency descent/landing - object - tree(s) ## Analysis The pilot was returning from a personal flight when the engine had a partial loss of power. The pilot chose a field, headed for it, and as he approached the intended landing site, believed he would hit the trees so he attempted a go-around. The engine then quit, and the airplane came to rest in an oak tree 30 feet above the ground. During the postaccident examination of the airplane, four to six gallons of fuel was found in the tanks. The inspector indicated he found no reason for the loss of power. ## Factual narrative On August 10, 1997, about 1600 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N6270H, collided with a tree during an attempted forced landing in Dunlap, Tennessee. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The private pilot and passenger were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight departed Dallas Bay Airport, Chattanooga, Tennessee, about 1400. According to the pilot, while he was returning back from a personal flight, the engine began to cough. The engine was "coughing in irregular intervals and there was a clear loss of power and altitude." He chose a field and headed for it. The pilot stated as he got closer to the field he realized he was headed for some trees. He attempted to go-around when the engine fully quit. The airplane came to rest 30 feet above the ground hanging from some oak trees. The pilot stated he and his passenger were able to climb down the tree. The pilot believed he had an hour of fuel left in the tanks. The FAA conducted an on site examination of the wreckage. About four to six gallons of fuel were found in the fuel tanks. Compression was found on all four cylinders. The FAA inspector examining the airplane stated he could not rotate the propeller 360 degrees due to the starter ring gear grinding the starter housing when the propeller rotated. The FAA inspector stated four bolts were missing from the hub due to the spinner hitting a tree. Flight control continuity was observed and the cables were intact between the instrument panel and the engine. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6270H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6270H-2013-04-29), registration cancelled 2013-04-29, S/N 15284148, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 152 - Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 15284148 - Engines: Lycoming O-235 115 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Rolf J Hancock - Registered owner: John F Flevellin - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: 1A0, DALLAS BAY, TN ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 80 total, 20 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 25 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken - Temperature: 75 °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 19970810021549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970810021549A), Aug 10, 1997: Cessna 152, Dunlap, TN, Substantial damage. Losing power near field. Pulled up clear trees but landed in same. Climbed down tree. Unable locate engine problem. (.4)the pilot was returning from a personal… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.