# NTSB FTW89LA129: Cessna 182, N5827B, Elmendorf, TX, July 2, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 2, 1989, 13:38 local (18:38 UTC)
- Place: Elmendorf, TX
- Coordinates: 29.249258, -98.329627 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.2493&lon=-98.3296&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22893
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89LA129
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22893/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA129

## Probable cause

PILOT'S DECISION TO DISCONTINUE THE USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT, IN CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS, THAT LED TO A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AT AN ALTITUDE INSUFFICIENT FOR A SAFE LANDING ON THE AIRPORT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - discontinued, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven
  - object - fence

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE DETECTED A LOSS OF POWER DURING THE DESENT TO LAND THAT CARBURETOR HEAT SEEMED TO CORRECT. HE DISCONTINUED THE CARBURETOR HEAT AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND THE ENGINE FAILED ON FINAL APPROACH AT APPROXIMATELY 500 FEET AGL. THE ICING PROBABILITY CHART INDICATES THAT EXISTING CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE FOR CARBURETOR ICING AND THE SPARK PLUGS SHOWED EVIDENCE OF AN OVER RICH CONDITION. THE ENGINE RAN WITHOUT PROBLEM WHEN INSTALLED ON ANOTHER AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5827B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5827B-2017-05-22), registration cancelled 2017-05-22, S/N 33827, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182
- Registry model: [Cessna 182](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182) (registry code 2072702) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 33827
- Airframe hours: 2936
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-L 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Skydive San Antonio, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 29, 1988, 58 hours before
- Departed: NONE, ELMENDORF, TX
- Airport: Midlake (Pvt), runway 17, 2,600 × 200 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 710 total, 460 in this make and model, 616 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 97 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAT, 18 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 19890702019029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890702019029A), Jul 2, 1989: Cessna 182, Elmendorf, TX, Substantial damage. Engine quit on descent after parachute drop. Landed short of runway and ran through chain fence.

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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