# NTSB FTW98LA412: Cessna 152, N4568F, Durango, CO, September 27, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 27, 1998, 17:30 local (23:30 UTC) - Place: Durango, CO - Coordinates: 37.27013, -107.88079 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.2701&lon=-107.8808&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report March 31, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 44048 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW98LA412 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/44048/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA412 ## Probable cause Improper maintenance by an unknown person and the subsequent throttle cable disconnect due to a castellated nut separation. Factors were the none suitable soft terrain for the forced landing, and the failure of the nose wheel landing gear during the landing roll. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, descent - normal - throttle/power lever,cable - disconnected (cause) - miscellaneous,bolt/nut/fastener/clamp/spring - separation (cause) - maintenance - improper, unknown (cause) - Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, descent - normal - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - Nose over, landing - roll - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor) - landing gear,nose gear - failure,total (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot experienced a partial power failure and performed a forced landing to a field. The field was wet and soft; the nose wheel failed aft during the landing roll, and the airplane nosed over. Postimpact examination of the engine revealed that the castellated nut which held the throttle cable in place had backed off and separated from the airplane. The displacement of the throttle cable permitted the engine to transition to the idle position. ## Factual narrative On September 27, 1998, approximately 1730 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 152, N4568F, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a partial power failure near Durango, Colorado. The private pilot, the sole occupant in the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was owned/operated by Durango Air Service, Inc. under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area personal flight which originated approximately 35 minutes before the accident. According to the pilot, he experienced a power failure and performed a forced landing to an open field. The field was wet and soft; the nose wheel landing gear failed aft during the landing roll, and the airplane nosed over. The vertical stabilizer and left wing were bent. Postimpact examination of the engine revealed that the castellated nut which held the throttle cable in place had backed off and separated from the airplane. The displacement of the throttle cable permitted the engine to transition to the idle position. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4568F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4568F), registered now, S/N 15282989, built 1978 (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: 15282989 - Airframe hours: 10154 - Engines: Lycoming O-235-L2C 125 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Durango Air Service Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, July 22, 1998, 80 hours before - Departed: DRO ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 220 total, 131 in this make and model, 171 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 21 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: DRO, 8 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 19980927034559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980927034559A), Sep 27, 1998: Cessna 152, Durango, CO, Substantial damage. On September 27, 1998, approximately 1830 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 152, N4568F, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a power… 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.