# NTSB BFO90LA031: Cessna 152, N65538, Grafton, WV, March 1, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 1, 1990, 10:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Grafton, WV
- Coordinates: 39.339157, -80.00975 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3392&lon=-80.0097&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 4, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11583
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO90LA031
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11583/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90LA031

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT, WHEN OPERATING AT REDUCED POWER IN CONDITIONS WHICH WERE CONDUCIVE TO CARBURETOR ICE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING AIRWORK DURING A SOLO TRAINING FLT, WHEN A PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED. HE APPLIED CARB HEAT AND POWER WAS TEMPORARILY RESTORED BEFORE IT DECREASED AGAIN. UNABLE TO MAINTAIN POWER, THE PLT SELECTED A FIELD FOR A FORCED LANDING. THE FIELD HAD A STEEP SLOPE. DURING THE LANDING, THE NOSE GEAR CONTACTED THE TERRAIN FIRST AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER. DURING TESTS, THE CARB HEAT OPERATED NORMALLY. TEMP AND DEW POINT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WERE 31 DEGS F AND 22 DEGS F, RESPECTIVELY. ACCORDING TO CARB ICE PROBABILITY CHARTS, THIS CONDITION WAS CONDUCIVE TO CARB ICE DURING GLIDE POWER SETTINGS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N65538](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N65538-2007-11-26), registration cancelled 2007-11-26, S/N 15281603, built 1978 (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: 15281603
- Airframe hours: 4907
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kci Enterprises, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 14, 1989, 95 hours before
- Departed: CKB, CLARKSBURG, WV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; student; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 17 total, 17 in this make and model, 1 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 17 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 30 °F, dew point 21 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CKB, 15 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 19900301008619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900301008619A), Mar 1, 1990: Cessna 152, Grafton, WV, Substantial damage. Engine failed in practice area. Nosed up landing on hillside. Conditions good for carburetor icing. No mechanical.

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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