# NTSB CHI94LA205: Cessna 172, N737YW, Lambertville, MI, June 17, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 17, 1994, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Lambertville, MI
- Coordinates: 41.739997, -83.619171 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7400&lon=-83.6192&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 12, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9573
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI94LA205
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9573/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA205

## Probable cause

THE INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE OF THE AIRPLANE RESULTING IN A FOREIGN OBJECT IN THE INDUCTION SYSTEM.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - induction air control/system - foreign object (cause)
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - inadequate, company maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

The pilot states engine operation on the maintenance test flight was normal on start-up, all preflight checks, and on takeoff.  Approximately 150 feet AGL after takeoff, the engine lost power.  The pilot initiated an emergency landing on a field adjacent to the airport.  Postaccident examination of the engine revealed a loose steel lock nut in an induction intake tube.

## Factual narrative

On June 17, 1994, about 1330 central daylight time, a Cessna 172, N737YW, sustained substantial damage following a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing on a field.  The airplane was making a maintenance test flight when the engine lost power shortly after takeoff from Toledo Suburban Airport, Lambertville, Michigan.  Neither the pilot nor the passenger (a certificated airplane mechanic) were injured.  The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions without flight plan.

According to the passenger/mechanic's statement, the airplane had been experiencing problems which appeared to be fuel related approximately two weeks prior to the accident.  The airplane was grounded for an examination.  During the examination, the mechanic found the needle valve in the carburetor was sticking.  He removed the carburetor and replaced it with a recently overhauled carburetor from another airplane in order to confirm that this valve was the problem.  The airplane was then taken for a maintenance test flight.  The mechanic states engine operation was normal on start up, all preflight checks, and on takeoff.  Approximately 150 feet MSL after takeoff, the engine lost power and the pilot made a forced landing on a field adjacent to the airport.

Postaccident examination of the engine revealed a loose steel lock nut in an induction intake tube.  The FAA Inspector's statement is appended.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N737YW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N737YW-2007-05-04), registration cancelled 2007-05-04, S/N 17269787, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17269787
- Airframe hours: 5638
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Lambert Aircraft, Inc.
- Registered owner: Lambert Aircraft, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, April 4, 1994, 61 hours before
- Airport: 5G9, Toledo Surburban, runway 9, 1,000 × 500 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; flight instructor, flight engineer, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 473 total, 98 in this make and model, 246 as pilot in command, 47 in the last 90 days, 39 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

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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