# NTSB CEN09CA140: Cessna 172M, N20275, Little Rock, AR, January 22, 2009 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: January 22, 2009, 17:50 local (23:50 UTC) - Place: Little Rock, AR - Coordinates: 34.835556, -92.241111 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.8356&lon=-92.2411&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute-descent: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 12, 2009 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 73269 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN09CA140 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/73269/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA140 ## Probable cause The loss of engine power due to the missing nut on the bolt connecting the throttle cable and carburetor's lever arm. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Engine controls: power lever](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057603): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Inoperative (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057603/cases.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 95 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057603/cases.md) - [Misc hardware: fasteners](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071430): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Not specified; cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071430/cases.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 58 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071430/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute-descent: Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340/sequence.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340/sequence.md) - [Enroute-descent: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 16 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 30 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot stated that as he started his descent and reduced engine power, he felt a "bump" in the throttle. The engine's rpm dropped and the engine lost power. The pilot established his glide and elected to conduct a forced landing to a nearby airport. Additionally, the pilot reported that moving the throttle had no effect on engine power, however the engine would oscillate between idle and full power. The airplane was substantially damaged during the forced landing. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, who traveled to the site, reported that the nut securing the throttle linkage to the carburetor's control lever was missing and the throttle linkage was found disconnected. A review of the manufacturer's maintenance manual revealed the approved parts included a bolt with a fiber-locking nut. ## Factual narrative The pilot stated that as he started his descent and reduced engine power, he felt a "bump" in the throttle. The engine's rpm dropped and the engine lost power. The pilot established his glide and elected to conduct a forced landing to a nearby airport. Additionally, the pilot reported that moving the throttle had no effect on engine power, however the engine would oscillate between idle and full power. The airplane was substantially damaged during the forced landing. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who traveled to the site reported that the nut securing the throttle linkage to the carburetor's control lever was missing and the throttle linkage was found disconnected. A review of the manufacturer's maintenance manual revealed the approved parts included a bolt with a fiber-locking nut. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N20275](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N20275-2017-02-28), registration cancelled 2017-02-28, S/N 17261151, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M - Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17261151 - Airframe hours: 5207 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320 SERIES 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Ben Kittler - Registered owner: Ben Kittler - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 2008 - Departed: KBVX, Batesville, AR - Destination: KSUZ, Bryant, AR - Airport: KORK, North Little Rock, runway 23, 5,002 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 69; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review November 30, 2008; seat: left; flight hours: 5,140 total, 535 in this make and model, 5,028 as pilot in command, 37 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 36 °F - Altimeter: 29.85 inHg ## 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 20090122000419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090122000419A), Jan 22, 2009: Cessna 172M, North Little R, AR, Substantial damage. (-23) On 01/22/2009, 1500 hrs aircraft N20275, CE-172M, departed VFR batesville ar (bvx) in route to benton ar (suz) with [privacy data omitted], pvt. Pilot… ## Other investigations on N20275 (1) 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. - [NTSB FTW78FPG24](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW78FPG24), Apr 13, 1978: Cessna 172 (N20275), Forrest City, AR, substantial damage 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.