# NTSB FTW88LA020: Cessna 152, N4870P, New Caney, TX, October 23, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 23, 1987, 10:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: New Caney, TX
- Coordinates: 30.1497, -95.179069 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.1497&lon=-95.1791&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22594
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW88LA020
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22594/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88LA020

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - carburetor heat - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - sign (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - wet

## Analysis

ACFT TOOK OFF IN MARGINAL VFR CONDITIONS ON A PIPELINE PATROL FLT. EN ROUTE, THE PLT ENCOUNTERED DETERIORATING WX CONDITIONS AND EXPERIENCED A ROUGH RUNNING ENG, DUE TO WHAT HE SUSPECTED WAS CARB ICE. HIS ATTEMPTS TO REMEDY THE ROUGHNESS WERE UNSUCCESSFUL AND THE PLT ELECTED TO EXECUTE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING TO A RURAL ROAD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE PLT ENCOUNTERED POOR BRAKING ACTION AND THE RIGHT WING STRUCK A ROAD SIGN CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. A REVIEW OF THE ICING PROBABILITY CHARTS INDICATED THAT CARB ICING WAS POSSIBLE AT CRUISE OR LOWER POWER SETTINGS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4870P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4870P), registered now, S/N 15284834, built 1980 (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: 15284834
- Airframe hours: 5606
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Registered owner: L. H. Underwood Aerial Patrols
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 18, 1987, 335 hours before
- Departed: RWJ, BAYTOWN, TX
- Destination: BPT, PORT ARTHUR, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,804 total, 879 in this make and model, 705 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: IAH, 10 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 19871023072169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871023072169A), Oct 23, 1987: Cessna 152, New Caney, TX, Substantial damage. Departed VFR into IMC that worsened on climbout,engine ran rough. Hit road sign while landing on highway. Carb ice.

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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