# NTSB DEN92LA087: Cessna 172F, N5101F, Folsom, NM, August 25, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 25, 1992, 10:45 local (16:45 UTC)
- Place: Folsom, NM
- Coordinates: 36.840648, -103.910598 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.8406&lon=-103.9106&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 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18233
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN92LA087
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18233/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN92LA087

## Probable cause

CARBURETOR HEAT NOT USED AND IMPROPER USE OF THROTTLE AND MIXTURE CONTROL.  A FACTOR WAS:  THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - carburetor heat - not selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - mixture - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT DESCENDED FROM 1500 FEET TO 500 FEET AGL TO MAKE A LOW PASS OVER HIS PARENTS' RANCH.  HE DID NOT APPLY CARBURETOR HEAT PRIOR TO THE POWER REDUCTION.  AS HE LEVELLED OFF, HE ADVANCED THE MIXTURE CONTROL TO FULL RICH  AND ADVANCED THE THROTTLE, AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER.  NO ENGINE RESTART WAS ATTEMPTED DUE TO TERRAIN PROXIMITY AND THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD.  DURING ROLL OUT, THE NOSE WHEEL STRUCK A BOULDER AND WAS SHEARED OFF, THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER.  EXAMINATION AND TESTS DISCLOSED NO DISCREPANCIES WITH THE CARBURETOR, OIL SCREEN, SPARK PLUGS, FUEL AND OIL.  THE ENGINE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY FUNCTIONALLY TESTED AND OPERATED SATISFACTORILY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5101F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5101F-2013-03-25), registration cancelled 2013-03-25, S/N 17252508, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172F
- Registry model: [Cessna 172F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172f) (registry code 2072414) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17252508
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Sheppard Afb Aero Club
- Registered owner: Sheppard Afb Aero Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 7, 1992, 58 hours before
- Departed: DHT, DALHART, TX
- Destination: RTN, RATON, NM
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; military, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,400 total, 250 in this make and model, 1,800 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days, 33 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19920825033009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920825033009A), Aug 25, 1992: Cessna 172F, Folsom, NM, Substantial damage. Descended to make low pass over parents ranch. Engine failed respond. Crash landed. Factors carb ice. Rich mixture.

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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